The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) for the 2027 election, Peter Obi, has appealed to the abductors of recently kidnapped schoolchildren to release them, describing the children’s continued captivity and reported condition as heartbreaking.
In a statement on Wednesday titled, “Please release these children for the sake of our shared humanity,” Obi expressed shock at reports and images showing the condition of the abducted children, noting that their ordeal reflects the worsening insecurity across the country.
“I am deeply shocked and heartbroken by the condition in which these abducted schoolchildren are, as seen from their flagellated bodies. It is a painful reminder of the depth of insecurity in our land,” he decried.
Obi lamented what he described as the long-term consequences of poor governance and societal neglect, arguing that the challenges confronting the country today are products of years of abuse of governance and institutions.
He noted that the suffering of the abducted children serves as a stark reminder that the failures of today’s leaders often have devastating consequences for future generations.
“I have always made it clear that the society we abuse today will take its revenge on our children tomorrow. When I first began making that statement, some of these children were not even born,” Obi stated.
The former Anambra State governor emphasised that just as poor governance leaves lasting consequences, the growing debt burden accumulated by today’s leaders could also negatively affect future generations.
Obi also made a direct appeal to the kidnappers, urging them to listen to their conscience and remember that the victims are innocent children whose families have invested their hopes and dreams in them.
“To those holding these children, I make a direct appeal to your conscience. Remember that these are innocent children — sons and daughters of people who have placed their hopes, dreams, and entire future in them,” he said.
Obi stressed that no grievance or hardship could justify the continued detention of innocent children, urging the abductors to embrace mercy and compassion.
“No grievance, no hardship, no justification can ever outweigh the sanctity of a child’s life and innocence. Whatever path has led to this moment, there is still room for remorse, for humanity, and for a change of heart.”
He further called for the immediate and safe release of the children, urging their captors to allow them reunite with their families and return to normal life.
“I therefore appeal to your sense of mercy: release these children immediately. Let them go. Return them safely to society to reunite with their families,” he added.
