The apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, has strongly condemned the recent violent attack on former presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), John Odigie-Oyegun, in Benin City, Edo State.

In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Dr Ezechi Chukwu on Friday, the organisation described the incident as disturbing and utterly reprehensible, calling on security agencies to immediately swing into action.

According to the group, the incident reportedly occurred after a political engagement involving the African Democratic Congress, during which hoodlums allegedly unleashed violence and gunfire.

Ohanaeze said the development raises serious concerns about the safety of political actors and the state of Nigeria’s democracy.

“Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide strongly condemns the recent violent attack on a former presidential candidate Mr Peter Obi and a former National Chairman of the APC, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun in Benin City, Edo State.

“Consequently, the Igbo apex body calls on relevant security agencies to conduct a thorough, transparent and expeditious investigation into this dastardly act and ensure that the perpetrators are identified and brought to justice.”

“The fact that prominent political leaders could be subjected to such danger in the course of lawful democratic activities is a grave threat to our national cohesion and democratic order.”

The President-General of Ohanaeze, Senator Azuta Mbata, was quoted as describing the attack as “unprovoked and completely unacceptable in a civilised democracy.”

“Such acts of political violence are a direct assault on the rule of law and a dangerous signal capable of undermining public confidence in our democratic process,” Mbata said.

The organisation further urged authorities to provide adequate security for political leaders across party lines, stressing that democracy can only thrive in an atmosphere of safety and tolerance. (Text, excluding headline: The Sun)