The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) for the 2027 election, Peter Obi, has expressed concern over the rising insecurity in Nigeria, calling for the immediate rescue of abducted schoolchildren in Borno and Oyo States.
ThelensNG reports that over 40 pupils were abducted by gunmen from Mussa Primary and Junior Secondary School in Askira-Uba Local Government Area of Borno State on May 15. Similarly, gunmen abducted pupils and teachers from Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School in Oyo State on the same day.
Reacting to the developments on Tuesday, Obi lamented that after two weeks, the schoolchildren kidnapped in Borno and Oyo States remain in captivity, while the Federal Government continues to publicise the formation of a 1,000-member rescue team.
He stated that the security situation across the nation continues to deteriorate, noting that terrorists killed at least seven people and injured ten others in Gwon-Ajang Village, located in the Foron District of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State on Sunday.
Obi also recalled that in Kogi State, armed assailants kidnapped more than 25 people 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. In Anambra State, we also mourn the loss of two police officers who were killed in a bandit attack.
“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.
“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 lamented that, amid the tragic developments, politicians remain consumed by the next election, paying far more attention to political ambitions than to the safety and well-being of children and fellow citizens.
He argued that, in a nation that is not at war, the ongoing insecurity that endangers schoolchildren represents a profound and serious challenge.
