The 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi has condemned the killing of 16 young men in Nibo, Anambra State.

Obi posted on X,?I am deeply saddened and outraged by the unending killing and death in our society. The senseless killing of 16 young men in Nibo, Anambra State remains condemnable.?

Reports have it that a certain number of young men were killed by suspected cult groups on Sunday, turning the annual New Yam festival in the Nibo community in the Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State into a festival of blood.

According to reports, the suspects broke into a drinking bar near Oye Nwochichi Market, which is near the location of the New Yam festival, by Nibo Old Maternity. They then opened fire on the revellers, killing roughly eight people at once, before moving on to another area near Eke Nibo Market, where some casualties also occurred.

?This despicable act is not only a profound loss to their families but also a stark reminder of the escalating violence that continues to plague our communities. Life is sacred, and no one has the right to take it. Such heinous actions reveal a disturbing disregard for human dignity and the rule of law,? Peter Obi wrote.

What makes the occurrence more worrisome is the fact that these communities are located near the Governor?s Lodge and also the operational headquarters of the Anambra State Police Command.

?Our nation cannot progress if we allow violence to become the norm, and we must work collectively to address the underlying causes of this growing menace,? he further added.

In closing his post on X, PO calls on the authorities to respond ?swiftly?.

He, therefore, called on security agencies to act swiftly and bring the perpetrators to justice.

He stated, ?I call on the authorities to act swiftly in bringing the perpetrators of this horrific crime to justice and ensuring that such incidents are never repeated. Nigeria must become a nation where safety and justice prevail over violence and lawlessness. May God grant the departed eternal rest and give their families, along with the Government of Anambra, the strength to bear this irreplaceable loss.? (Nigerian Tribune)