Obi Condemns Killing Of Pregnant Woman In Onitsha
Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has condemned the killing of a pregnant woman and other traders in Onitsha by a state-backed security outfit, describing their actions as worse than those of criminals.
Recall that operatives of Operation Clean and Healthy Anambra, also known as OCHA Brigade, allegedly shot and killed a pregnant woman alongside three others on Tuesday while enforcing a ban on street trading near Emeka Offor Plaza by the Onitsha Main Market.
Witnesses said the incident, which sparked panic among traders, followed an altercation between the operatives and the victims. While some reports claimed four people were killed, police authorities confirmed only one fatality, with four others injured and hospitalised.
Reacting in a post on his X handle on Wednesday, Obi said it was “deeply troubling” that groups created to complement policing and safeguard citizens had instead become a new source of terror and oppression.
He warned that the deteriorating security situation in Anambra called for urgent investigation, reorganisation, and strict accountability of such outfits.
“The tragic shooting and killing of traders, especially the killing of a pregnant woman in Onitsha, is deeply troubling and highlights the urgent need for thorough scrutiny, proper reorganisation, and strict accountability of these outfits,” Obi wrote.
He recalled that it was not the first time such incidents were happening in the state, noting that the Udo Ga-Achi Security Outfit in Anambra had previously assaulted a youth corps member, while another outfit was now accused of shooting innocent citizens.
According to him, community security outfits and agencies must not operate outside the law but should be carefully vetted, trained, and monitored to ensure professionalism and accountability.
“Without proper oversight, what is meant to safeguard lives can easily become a threat to the very people it is supposed to protect,” he cautioned.
The former Anambra governor extended condolences to the families of the victims, praying that they find strength and comfort.
Obi Condemns Killing Of Pregnant Woman In Onitsha is first published on The Whistler Newspaper
