The recent killing of traders, including a pregnant woman, by a state-backed security outfit in Onitsha, Anambra State, has sparked widespread outrage. Peter Obi, the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate and former Anambra State Governor, has condemned the incident, describing it as “deeply troubling.” In a post titled “Curbing the Excesses of State Actors,” Obi called for a thorough investigation, proper reorganization, and strict accountability of security outfits.
According to Obi, the incident highlights the urgent need for oversight and accountability in state-backed security groups, which have become a source of fear rather than protection for citizens. He emphasized that security agencies and community outfits should be thoroughly vetted, properly trained, and closely monitored to ensure professionalism and prevent abuse. “At a time when our nation is grappling with serious security challenges, it is worrisome that state-backed outfits, created to improve security, are instead worsening the plight of citizens and sometimes acting even worse than the criminals they were meant to confront,” Obi lamented.
The former governor’s concerns are valid, given the deteriorating security situation in Anambra. The activities of state-backed security outfits have raised serious questions about their accountability and adherence to the law. Obi’s demand for a probe and appropriate sanctions for the culprits is a step in the right direction. “We must have outfits that are well-scrutinized and do not operate outside the law,” he stressed.
As the nation grapples with security challenges, it is imperative that state-backed security outfits are held accountable for their actions. Obi’s call for thorough scrutiny, proper reorganization, and strict accountability is a timely reminder that security agencies must prioritize the protection of citizens, not their oppression. The families of the victims deserve justice, and it is the responsibility of the authorities to ensure that those responsible for the killings are brought to book.
In the words of Peter Obi, “Without proper oversight, what is meant to safeguard lives can easily become a threat to the very people it is supposed to protect.” As the investigation into the incident unfolds, one thing is clear: the people of Anambra deserve better. They deserve security outfits that protect and serve, not those that instill fear and perpetuate violence.
