Former Anambra State Governor and Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has condemned the killing of a young Nigerian, Mr. Mene Ogidi, in Effurun, Delta State, by a police officer, describing the incident as “barbaric” and a serious breach of the rule of law.
In a statement posted on X on Wednesday, Obi said:
“The extrajudicial killing of a young Nigerian Mr. Mene Ogidi, in Effurun, Delta State, by a police officer, is not only barbaric but also a grave violation of the rule of law.”
He stressed that modern society is built on due process and that no individual should be deprived of life without a fair determination of guilt.
Obi noted that such incidents worsen public anxiety in an already insecure environment, especially as Nigerians continue to face repeated violent attacks across the country.
He added that killings involving state actors further deepen psychological trauma and erode public confidence in security institutions.
Commending the Nigeria Police Force for its swift response, Obi expressed confidence that the matter would be properly handled.
“I commend the prompt response of the police authorities so far and express confidence that they will pursue this matter to its logical conclusion,” he said.
He urged the police and other security agencies to ensure transparency and accountability in their handling of the case, while also calling for stricter recruitment processes to ensure only psychologically fit individuals are issued firearms.
Obi concluded that such reforms are necessary to rebuild public trust and strengthen justice, describing both as essential to building “a new Nigeria that is possible.”