Reps minority caucus condemns alleged killing of septuagenarian couple

The Minority Caucus of the House of Representatives has condemned the alleged brutal and heinous murder of a couple, Jacob and Comfort Udo, by yet-to-be-identified assailants in Bende Local Government of Abia.

In a statement on Thursday, the Minority Leader, Rep. Kingsley Chinda (PDP-Rivers), called on law enforcement and other security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation and apprehend the perpetrators.

The lawmaker said that the gruesome beheading and butchering of the bodies of the couple who are in their 70s was most despicable, callous, and wicked.

He said that several properties were also carted away from the victims house, and there is a need for the police and other security agencies to embark on comprehensive investigations to unravel the mysteries behind the incident.

“As a caucus, it is shocking and saddening that the yet-to-be-confirmed murderer(s) who are obviously evil with terrible minds, destructive intentions, and satanic attitudes will carry out such cruel, barbaric, and animalistic actions on a peaceful, loving, and happy septuagenarian couple; perhaps old enough to be parents and grandparents to the killer(s).

“The crazy, senseless, and horrific killing is deeply inhuman, rudderless, and vicious. Indeed, the reports of this dastardly act evoke pain, anger, and regret, which necessitate wholesome condemnation by all and sundry.

“Sadly, Nigeria and its citizens have continued to witness and hear stories of similar occurrences across the country.

“There are incidents of bloodletting and extrajudicial killings unleashed by mean-spirited and criminally-infested souls on hapless, law-abiding citizens.

“These charlatans and marauders who roam the vast swathes of our country with unimaginable confidence inflict sorrow, tears, and blood on their targeted victims,” he said.

Chinda said that the Abia incident and similar others that violate the fundamental human right to life stand condemnable in strident and strongest terms.

He prevailed on the Abia State Government to provide every necessary support that would be needed by security agencies to ensure swift arrest and prosecution of those responsible for the disdainful action.

Chinda said that the caucus sympathises with the family, friends, colleagues, associates, people, and government of Abia over the irreparable loss of Mr. and Mrs. Udo.

He, however, appealed for calm, law, and order, urging family and the residents of the area not to engage in acts that may be unlawful and illegal as they await the results of investigations by the police and other security agencies.