The People's Democratic Party (PDP) in Ebonyi has paid a condolence visit to the family of Ozoemena Nkwuda, a chieftain of the party in the state who was murdered by suspected political thugs on February 25. The PDP gubernatorial candidate, Dr Ifeanyi Chukwuma Odii, represented by his running mate Sen. Igwe Nwagu, described the deceased as a man of peace and urged the family to uphold his principles of love and peace.
The visit, which took place in Inyimagu, Izzi Local Government Area, was also attended by Senator Sam Egwu and Mr. Igwe Edeze, the Director-General of PDP campaign council in Ebonyi. The party delegation condemned the heinous crime and prayed for the family to have the strength to cope with the loss.
Anthony Nkwuda, the elder brother of the deceased, thanked the PDP team for showing respect to his late brother, describing him as a good man who never cared much about political differences.
The murder of Ozoemena Nkwuda on the day of the presidential and National Assembly polls in Ebonyi has been a source of concern to many in the state. The incident is one of the many politically-motivated attacks that have occurred in the state in recent times.
The PDP's visit to the family is seen as a gesture of solidarity and support in the wake of the tragedy. The party has also called on the security agencies to bring the perpetrators of the crime to justice.
The murder of Nkwuda has once again brought to the fore the issue of political violence in Nigeria. The country has a history of political violence and thuggery, especially during election periods. The PDP and other political parties have been urging the government to take more proactive measures to ensure that such incidents do not occur.
Many believe that the government needs to do more to provide security during elections and to crack down on the activities of political thugs who are often used by politicians to intimidate opponents and voters.
The PDP's visit to the family of Nkwuda is also seen as a reminder of the need for politicians to shun violence and embrace peaceful means of resolving conflicts. It is hoped that the tragedy will serve as a wake-up call to all political actors in the state and the country at large.