Peter Obi mourned the killing of entrepreneur Ifesinachi Onyekere, condemning it as shocking and senseless.
He urged urgent security action, warning unchecked violence threatens lives, businesses, and community development.
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Former Anambra State Governor and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has expressed deep sorrow over the killing of Mr. Ifesinachi Onyekere, the Managing Director of Fish Magnet Outlet in Awka, describing the incident as both painful and tragic.
Obi, who visited the family of the deceased on Tuesday to offer his condolences, met with the victim’s mother, Mrs. Esther Chinyere Onyekesi. During the visit, he lamented the loss of a young and vibrant entrepreneur who had been making significant contributions to the state’s economy through the Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) sector.
According to reports, Onyekere was kidnapped by yet-to-be-identified assailants and later killed. His remains were discovered in Amawbia, sparking outrage and renewed concerns over the growing wave of violent crimes in the region.
Obi condemned the act in strong terms, calling it a “shocking and senseless” example of the deepening insecurity in the country. “This shocking and senseless act of violence is a painful reminder of the worsening insecurity in our society,” he said, stressing that no society can thrive when the lives of its citizens are constantly under threat.
He called on security agencies to intensify their efforts in investigating the case and ensuring that those responsible are arrested and prosecuted. He urged the authorities to demonstrate zero tolerance for such acts of criminality and to send a clear message that violence will not go unpunished.
The former governor also used the opportunity to highlight the broader implications of unchecked lawlessness, warning that failure to address insecurity would not only claim more innocent lives but also cripple the economy, discourage investment, and undermine community development.
He appealed for a collective approach to tackling the crisis, urging cooperation among government institutions, law enforcement agencies, community leaders, and ordinary citizens. “Nigeria must not allow lawlessness to thrive. We all have a role to play in building a safer and more secure nation,” he said.
Consoling the grieving family, Obi prayed for God’s comfort and strength for them during this period of immense loss. “May God, in His infinite mercy, grant eternal rest to Ifesinachi and give his family the strength to bear this heartbreaking loss,” he added.
The killing of Onyekere has drawn condemnation from across the state, with many calling for urgent measures to curb violent crimes and protect law-abiding citizens. The incident has once again brought to the fore the urgent need for decisive security reforms in Nigeria.
