Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has called for the immediate release of schoolchildren kidnapped in Oyo State, describing the abduction as a distressing sign of Nigeria’s deepening insecurity. In a statement issued on Wednesday, Obi expressed profound shock and sorrow after viewing images and reports showing the children in poor physical condition, with visible signs of severe abuse during their captivity. He emphasized that the incident highlights the dire consequences of years of poor governance and societal neglect, warning that such failures ultimately harm the nation’s most vulnerable—its children.
Obi, a former governor of Anambra State, said he had long cautioned that the way society is treated today will inevitably affect future generations. “I have always made it clear that the society we abuse today will take its revenge on our children tomorrow,” he stated, noting that when he first made this observation, many of the abducted children were not yet born. He linked the current security crisis to decades of mismanagement, poor leadership, and systemic neglect, arguing that these factors have created an environment where such tragedies become possible.
The NDC presidential candidate also drew a parallel between the suffering of the children and Nigeria’s financial missteps, warning that the loans taken by current leaders will burden future generations. “This is a classic example of how the abuse of governance and society today can produce devastating consequences long after the abusers are gone,” Obi said. He stressed that the same principle applies to national debt, where young people will bear the weight of decisions made by their elders.
In a direct appeal to the abductors, Obi urged them to reflect on the innocence of the children and the anguish of their families. “Remember that these are innocent children — sons and daughters of people who have placed their hopes, dreams, and entire future in them,” he said. He reminded them that in every child, they might see reflections of their own children, family, and humanity. Obi insisted that no hardship or grievance justifies harming children, and called for compassion and a change of heart.
He concluded by reiterating the urgent need for the safe release of the children and their return to their families. Obi’s statement underscores the growing public concern over insecurity in Nigeria, especially as attacks on schools and children become more frequent. His appeal adds to the national outcry for stronger security measures and accountability from leaders, as the country continues to grapple with the human cost of instability.
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