The Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general election, Mr. Peter Obi has condemned the troubling emergence of reports detailing arson attacks by soldiers of the Nigerian Army in the Okuama community of Ughelli South Local Government Area in Delta State.
Earlier today, the prominent Nigerian figure joined voices across the nation in condemning the tragic killing of security personnel engaged in a peacekeeping mission within a community in Delta State.
However, amidst the condemnation, emerging reports have shed light on disturbing developments within the affected community, where reports of arson attacks have surfaced.
In a stark warning against the cycle of violence, Obi emphasized that retaliatory actions such as arson cannot right the wrongs of the initial tragedy. Highlighting the potential loss of innocent lives and the displacement of communities,
Writing on his X handle on Sunday, Obi said, “Earlier today, I added my voice to that of other Nigerians in condemning in the strongest terms, the mindless killing of security personnel who were on a peacekeeping mission in a community in Delta State.
“The act remains censured and accursed by all right thinking Nigerians. However, the emerging disturbing reports of the community being under arson attack is equally unpalatable and wrong headed.”
Emphasizing the possibility of innocent lives being endangered and the displacement of communities, Obi urged for a concerted effort to bring the perpetrators of the original crime to justice through established legal channels.
“In all situations, two wrongs cannot produce a right. Reprisal arson attacks on the community cannot compensate for the original wrong of the killing of the soldiers. It is most likely that innocent lives will be lost in these reprisal attacks and innocent citizens who had no hand in the ugly crimes, may be rendered homeless by the unwanton destruction of the community. The correct and civilized thing to do is to put all machinery in place to apprehend the real perpetrators of the original ignoble act and bring them to book.”
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Peter Obi further added, “As painful as the act may be, I appeal to the security agencies to be considerate and avoid transferring their anger to hapless members of the community. I have also learnt that the Government of Delta State, had been on top of this situation before it escalated.
“I urge the Governor not to relent but to put in more effort to ensure minimal damage. In this regard, he needs the involvement of all community leaders to calm the nerves.
“Once again, my heart goes out in sympathy to all the bereaved in this unfortunate incident as I pray God to grant the souls of the departed eternal rest.”
