Peter Obi, once Governor of Anambra State and the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, issued a heartfelt statement on December 27, 2024, regarding the tragic murder of Reverend Father Tobias Okonkwo.
In his statement, Obi shared, “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-to-be-identified criminals last night in Ihiala, Anambra.”
He lamented the ongoing violence, stating, “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.”
Obi questioned the inaction against such violence, asking, “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?”
Recognizing his personal connection to the institution, he added, “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.”
He extended his condolences, saying, “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.”
