Peter Obi, a former presidential hopeful, has strongly denounced the recent violent assault in Oke-Ode, located within Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, highlighting it as a stark indication of Nigeria’s escalating security challenges.
According to the Kwara State Police Command, the attack, which took place on Sunday morning, resulted in the deaths of at least 12 individuals, including the Baale of Ogbayo. Among the victims were also members of the community-kill-10/” title=”Gunmen … in Anambra …: 10 Killed in Deadly Violence”>local vigilante group who were specifically targeted during the violent incursion.
Police Public Relations Officer, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, reported that the incident unfolded around 7 a.m. when a group of heavily armed assailants invaded the Ogbayo community in Oke-Ode, indiscriminately opening fire. Four people sustained injuries and were promptly hospitalized, while the deceased were recovered from the scene.
In a statement shared on his official X account on Tuesday, Obi, who previously served as governor of Anambra State, expressed deep sorrow over what he termed “yet another senseless outbreak of violence.” He urged for immediate and effective interventions to curb the persistent wave of attacks plaguing the nation.
“It is with profound sadness that I learned of the brutal killings in Oke-Ode, Kwara State, where innocent citizens, including vigilant community members and the Baale of Ogbayo, lost their lives in a ruthless attack by armed criminals terrorizing our country,” Obi stated.
He emphasized that no Nigerian should endure living under the shadow of fear, cautioning against becoming desensitized to such horrific events. “The frequency of these assaults underscores the critical need for a national security emergency. Every Nigerian deserves safety within their own community. We must not accept tragedy as the norm,” he added.
Obi also conveyed his heartfelt sympathies to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, the people of Kwara State, and the families mourning their loved ones, praying for resilience for those affected and eternal peace for the departed.
This violent episode in Oke-Ode has reignited debates about the effectiveness of security forces in safeguarding especially rural communities that remain vulnerable to bandit attacks.
