- Peter Obi called for the immediate release of abducted schoolchildren in Nigeria
- He described the children’s condition as heartbreaking and blamed worsening insecurity on governance failures
- Obi appealed to abductors to release the victims unconditionally, stressing the sanctity of human life and innocence
Former presidential candidate of the Peter Obi has called for the immediate release of schoolchildren recently abducted by armed groups, describing their condition as “heartbreaking” and a painful reflection of Nigeria’s worsening insecurity.
In a statement shared via his verified X handle on Wednesday, Obi said he was deeply disturbed by images showing the abducted children with visible signs of physical abuse while in captivity.
“I am deeply shocked and heartbroken by the condition in which these abducted school children are, as seen from their flagellated bodies. It is a painful reminder of the depth of insecurity in our land,” he said.
The former Anambra State governor lamented what he described as the long-term consequences of poor governance and societal neglect, warning that failures in leadership today would have devastating effects on future generations.
He argued that decisions taken by leaders, including excessive borrowing and policy missteps, often create burdens that future generations will be forced to bear.
Obi stated that “the society we abuse today will take its revenge on our children tomorrow,” adding that governance failures have continued to erode safety, trust, and national stability.
He further appealed directly to the abductors, urging them to reflect on the humanity of their victims and the emotional pain inflicted on 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.
Obi stressed that no grievance or hardship could justify the targeting of children, insisting that the sanctity of human life must always be protected.
“No grievance, no hardship, no justification can ever outweigh the sanctity of a child’s life and innocence,” he added.
He encouraged the abductors to show remorse and release the victims unconditionally, noting that there is still room for “a change of heart” and moral reflection.
“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 concluded.