Buhari orders manhunt of LP senatorial candidate’s killers, Oyibo Chukwu

President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday, directed security agencies to track down the killers of the Labour Party’s senatorial candidate for Enugu East Senatorial District, Oyibo Chukwu, and his personal aide.

He condemned the killing, saying the culprits have no respect for human life and dignity, and therefore “deserve the wrath of natural and divine justice.”

Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, disclosed this in a statement he signed on Friday titled ‘President Buhari condemns killing of Oyibo Chukwu, LPs senatorial candidate in Enugu.’

Chukwu was reportedly attacked on Wednesday while returning from a campaign rally in Agbani, Nkanu West Local Government Area of Enugu State.

The gunmen had opened fire on his convoy, killing five of his supporters alongside his personal aide.

Afterwards, they reportedly burned his body.

The killing happened barely three days before the senatorial election scheduled for Saturday, 25 February.

Reacting to the incident, Buhari said he “believes that the perpetrators of this ignoble act, in Awkunanaw, Enugu South Local Government Area of Enugu State, have no respect for human life and dignity, and therefore deserve the wrath of natural and divine justice.”

The president also affirmed his avowed commitment to an election that is devoid of violence and rancour.

He reminded all political actors that it is the choice of the electorate that counts, and therefore all eligible Nigerians should boldly exercise their civic rights without any fear of intimidation.

Buhari also commiserated with the families of the victims, the Nigerian Bar Association and the LP even as he prayed for the repose of the souls of the deceased and comfort for those who mourn.
Although the senatorial candidate’s death has sent shockwaves through the South-East, it is not the first attempt on the lives of individuals vying for public office, especially from the LP.

On August 31, 2022, gunmen attacked LP members in Nenwe, Aninri Local Government Area of the state.

On September 4, LP members came under attack during a meeting in Awgu Community in Awgu Local Government Area of the state.

Last December, the LP House of Representatives candidate for Onuimo Local Government Area Constituency in Imo State, Christopher Eleghu, was killed by unidentified gunmen.