By Oluwaseun Sonde
World leaders have expressed saddness and shocked over the report of Japanese Former Prime Minister, Shinzo Abe who was murdered while campaigning for a candidate ahead of national elections on Friday.
According to the report which claimed the ex-Prime Minister was shot on his neck and left chest, as the footage on social media showed his collapse and bleeding on the ground in the western city of Nara, near Kyoto.
The Professor in charge of emergency medicine at the Hospital where Abe was rushed, Dr Hidetada Fukushima said, Abe was brought to the hospital at 12:20pm showing no vital signs, explained further that the ex-Prime Minister had sustained two bullet wounds.
Doctors tried to stop the bleeding and did a transfusion, but they could not resuscitate him, Dr. Fukushima added while Mr Abe was pronounced dead there shortly after 5 p.m.
Mr. Abe was Japan’s longest-serving Prime Minister, aged 67. He served two terms, from 2006 to 2007 and from 2012 to 2020. He resigned in 2020 because of ill health.
Meanwhile Leaders around the world have expressed shock over the unfortunate assassination of the former Prime Minister, Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi said, "I am shocked and saddened beyond words at the tragic demise of one of my dearest friends, Shinzo Abe.
"Abe was a towering global statesman, an outstanding leader, and a remarkable administrator. He dedicated his life to make Japan and the world a better place. My association with Abe goes back many years.
"I had got to know him during my tenure as Gujarat CM and our friendship continued after I became PM. His sharp insights on economy and global affairs always made a deep impression on me", Modi said.
European Commission President, Ursula von der deyen said, "A wonderful person, great democrat and champion of the multilateral world order has passed away. I mourn with his family, his friends and all the people of Japan. This brutal and cowardly murder of Abe Shinzo shocks the whole world".
World Health Organisation Director General, Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus said, "Deeply saddened by the tragic death of Shinzo Abe, former Prime Minister of Japan and an outstanding champion for Health For All. My heartfelt condolences to his family and the people of Japan. He will be greatly missed".
Ukraine's President said, "Horrible news of a brutal assassination of former Prime Minister of Japan Shinzo Abe. I am extending my deepest condolences to his family and the people of Japan at this difficult time. This heinous act of violence has no excuse".
United Kingdom's Boris Johnson said, "Utterly appalled and saddened to hear about the despicable attack on Shinzo Abe. My thoughts are with his family and loved ones".
My condolences to the Abe's family and the people of Japan.