Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, has denounced the assault on soldiers in Abia State, which led to the tragic loss of five military personnel.

In a statement on Friday via X, Obi expressed his anguish and outrage over the “dastardly act,” calling it a stark reminder of the escalating insecurity plaguing the nation.

“I am appalled and saddened by the attack on our brave soldiers in Abia State yesterday, resulting in the death of five soldiers.

“This dastardly act remains condemnable as it is a stark reminder of the escalating insecurity and violence that has continued to plague our nation under our collective watch,” Obi stated.

Extending his condolences to the families of the fallen soldiers and the people of Abia State, Obi lamented the nation’s urgent need to protect its citizens and security personnel.

“Their sacrifice will never be forgotten, and we owe it to them to demand accountability and justice.

“Our failure as a nation to protect our citizens and security personnel is a clear dereliction of duty and sign of deficiency of the Nigerian state,” he said.

Obi condemned the atrocity and demanded an immediate and thorough investigation to identify and punish the culprits.

“I condemn this atrocity in strong terms, and demand an immediate and thorough investigation into this crime in order to identify and punish the culprits,” he asserted.

The former presidential candidate also expressed solidarity with the Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti, and the people of the state, describing the attack as a reminder of the escalating violence plaguing the nation.

Calling for swift and decisive action, Obi warned against complacency in the face of continued brutality and bloodshed. “The continued brutality and bloodshed in our nation must be met with swift and decisive action, not empty words and hollow promises,” he said.

On Thursday, gunmen in an attack left five soldiers dead at a checkpoint at Aba in Abia State.

The attack, which occurred at Obikabia junction in Aba, was reportedly carried out by suspected members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra in a bid to enforce sit-at-home.

They also burnt down security patrol vehicles while enforcing the sit-at-home directive meant to commemorate Biafra Day.