Former Anambra State governor and presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 elections, Peter Obi, has expressed outrage over the killing of traders, including a pregnant woman, allegedly by members of a state-backed security outfit in Onitsha.

Peter Obi, in a statement posted on his official 𝕏 handle on Wednesday morning, described the incident as deeply troubling, warning that some of the very groups created to safeguard communities were now turning into a source of fear for citizens.

The former governor said it was worrying that state-backed security outfits, meant to complement law enforcement and provide protection, were instead worsening the plight of already terrorised citizens.

“At a time when our nation is grappling with serious security challenges, with everyone looking for ways to mitigate them even supporting state policing, it is very worrisome that already state-backed outfits that were created to help with the situation and improve security are instead worsening the plight of the already terrorised citizens and sometimes acting even worse than the criminals they were meant to confront,” Obi wrote.

“Rather than offering protection, they have become a new source of fear and oppression.”

Obi said the killing in Onitsha underscored the urgent need for thorough scrutiny 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,” he said.

The former Governor recalled that the latest incident followed a similar case involving the Udo Ga-Achi Security Outfit in Anambra, which allegedly brutalised a youth corps member.

“This time, another outfit is shooting and killing innocent citizens. The security situation in Anambra appears to be deteriorating further. The activities of this group must be thoroughly investigated, and all those responsible for this heinous act must be brought to justice,” Obi added.

‘Security Groups Must Not Operate Outside the Law’ – Obi Warns

The former governor insisted that security agencies and community outfits must be carefully vetted, trained, and closely monitored to prevent abuse of power.

“We must have outfits that are well-scrutinised and do not operate outside the law. Security agencies and community outfits should be carefully vetted, trained, and monitored to ensure professionalism and accountability in their activities. Without proper oversight, what is meant to safeguard lives can easily become a threat to the very people it is supposed to protect,” he said.

Obi extended his sympathies to the families of those killed in the Onitsha incident, praying for comfort and strength in their time of grief.

“My deepest sympathy goes to the families of the victims. May they find strength and comfort and may the departed rest in peace,” he wrote.