Former LP Presidential candidate, Peter Obi
Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has expressed deep concern over the worsening security situation in Nigeria, lamenting the continued captivity of schoolchildren abducted in Borno and Oyo states nearly two weeks after their kidnapping.
In a statement shared on his X handle on Monday, Obi said the prolonged detention of the children by their abductors reflects the gravity of the nation’s security challenges and called for urgent action to secure their release.
According to him, “Two weeks have passed since schoolchildren were kidnapped in Borno and Oyo States, yet they remain in captivity. Meanwhile, the government is promoting the formation of a thousand-member rescue team through the media while the children continue to suffer in the wilderness.”
The former Anambra State governor also cited recent violent attacks across several parts of the country, describing them as evidence of a deteriorating security environment.
He noted that on Sunday, terrorists reportedly killed at least seven people and injured ten others in Gwon-Ajang Village in the Foron District of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Obi further referenced a coordinated attack in Kogi State, where armed men reportedly abducted more than 25 residents and killed one person during a raid on Ayegunle-Igun Community in Kaba-Bunu Local Government Area.
“In Kogi State, armed assailants kidnapped over 25 individuals and killed one resident during a coordinated raid on the Ayegunle-Igun Community in Kaba-Bunu Local Government Area. These heavily armed attackers carried out their operation in a commando-style manner, terrifying residents in the early hours of Monday,” he stated.
He also mourned the killing of two police officers in Anambra State, describing the incident as another painful reminder of the growing insecurity across the country.
Recalling recent school abductions, Obi referenced the attack on three schools in the Ahoro-Esinle Community of Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, where gunmen abducted 46 persons, including students, teachers and a school principal.
“We still remember the painful incident in which armed individuals targeted three schools—Community Grammar School, Yawota Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School in the Ahoro-Esinle Community (Oriire Local Government Area near Ogbomoso)—and kidnapped 46 people, including 39 students, seven teachers, and the school principal,” he said.
He also drew attention to the abduction of dozens of pupils and students in Mussa Community, Askira-Uba Local Government Area of Borno State, allegedly by suspected Boko Haram insurgents.
“On the same day, between 48 and 51 pupils and students in the Mussa Community (Askira-Uba Local Government Area) were abducted by suspected Boko Haram insurgents. The victims, who included young children from nursery classes as well as primary and secondary school students, were taken on May 15, 2026, and have now remained in captivity for two weeks,” Obi added.
The former presidential candidate criticised what he described as the excessive focus of political leaders on future elections at a time when many Nigerians are grappling with insecurity and fear.
“Meanwhile, amid all these tragic developments, we politicians remain consumed by the next election, paying far more attention to political ambitions than to the safety and well-being of our children and fellow citizens,” he said.
Obi warned that the persistent attacks on communities and schools should concern every Nigerian, stressing that the country faces a serious challenge despite not being officially at war.
“In a nation that is not at war, the ongoing insecurity that endangers schoolchildren signifies a profound and serious challenge,” he stated.
He called on authorities at all levels to prioritise the protection of lives and property and intensify efforts to secure the release of those still being held captive.
