The Action Congress (AC) has described the murder of Otunba Dipo Dina, its gubernatorial candidate in Ogun state during the 2007 general elections, as the latest indication of a rising culture of intolerance and insecurity in the country.

In a statement issued in Lagos  Today by its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the party said indications are that the killing was not as a result of armed robbery, especially given Otunba’s Dina’s political battles in Ogun State and the fact that the other two occupants of his car were reportedly unharmed by the killers.

It said whatever is the motive for killing Otunba Dina – whether it is social, economic or political – it signals a dangerous trend that must be curbed urgently, and the police must start by finding Dina’s killers and bringing them to book.

“We know the antecedents of the police vis-à-vis unravelling high level killings in Nigeria does not give room for much optimism, but since we remain a country governed by law, we are left with no choice than to call on the police to do whatever they can to find Dina’s killers and make this the last such killing in our country,” AC said.

The party also called for tolerance, saying no disagreement, no matter how grave, could justify the termination of a human life.

“Our country has witnessed a series of high level killings in recent times, which gives an impression that we do not attach much premium to human life and dignity. These killings, together with the rising spate of kidnappings, armed robberies as well as ethno-religious violence, do not portray us in good light in the comity of nations.

“A nation that is not at war, and yet loses a high number of its prominent and non-prominent citizens to senseless killings cannot and should not expect to be taken serious by civilised nations. This madness must stop!,” AC said.

Otunba Dipo Dina was abducted and killed at Ota, Ogun State last night by an unknown group of armed men.