By TINA TIMOTHY

The Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections, Peter Obi, has expressed sorrow over the recent tragic killing of the Manager of the College of Nursing Sciences, Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Ihiala, Reverend Father Tobias Okonkwo, by yet-to-be identified gunmen.

On his verified X handle @PeterObi, on Friday, December 27, 2024, the former Anambra state governor, lamented the constant killing of young and vibrant young men and women in many parts of the country and wondered when this menace would stop.

He wrote: “Today, I woke up to the heartbreaking news of the tragic and unfortunate death of Rev Fr. Tobias Okonkwo, the Manager of the College of Nursing Sciences, Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Ihiala.

“Fr Tobias was shot dead by yet-be-identified criminals last night in Ihiala, Anambra.

“The constant killing of our very productive men and women by some bloodmongers is beyond heartbreaking.

“In many parts of the nation, the blood of our brothers and sisters whose lives were cut short by insecurity, continue to cry.

“How many more lives will be wasted before we rise to action and put an end to this menace contending with our future as a nation?”

While commiserating with the family and the entire staff and students of the College of Nursing Sciences, Ihiala, he prayed for God to grant the deceased eternal rest adding “may God heal our bleeding nation”.

“As one who has continuously visited and partnered with the College of Nursing Sciences, Ihiala, I understand how devastating this incident is to the College community.

“I extend my sincere condolences to his immediate family, the proprietor, the entire management, staff, and students of the College of Nursing Sciences, Ihiala.

“May God grant him eternal rest and grant us all the fortitude to bear his sad irreplaceable loss.

“May God heal our bleeding nation,” Obi prayed.