Peter Obi appeals for release of abducted schoolchildren, decries rising insecurity

Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has made an emotional appeal to the abductors of schoolchildren currently being held in captivity, urging them to release the victims immediately and allow them to reunite with their families.

Obi described the condition of the children as a tragic reflection of Nigeria’s worsening security crisis, saying he was deeply disturbed by images showing signs of abuse on the abducted pupils.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the former Anambra State governor said the photographs circulating from captivity revealed the extent of suffering endured by the children and underscored the urgent need to address insecurity across the country.

“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,” Obi stated.

The former presidential candidate said the ordeal of the children highlights the far-reaching consequences of governance failures and societal neglect, warning that future generations often bear the burden of decisions made by current leaders.

According to him, the situation validates his long-standing position that the shortcomings of today’s society inevitably create hardships for tomorrow’s generation.

“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. This is a classic example of how the abuse of governance and society today can produce devastating consequences long after the abusers are gone,” he said.

Obi also linked the plight of the children to broader concerns about governance and national planning, arguing that policy decisions taken today frequently leave long-term consequences that future generations are forced to confront.

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Drawing a comparison with Nigeria’s growing debt profile, he maintained that borrowing decisions by current leaders could impose significant burdens on young Nigerians in years to come.

“It is on the same line that I argue that the loans our leaders take today will hurt our children in the future, as many of them will mature for repayment and consequences long after we are gone,” he added.

Addressing the kidnappers directly, Obi appealed to their conscience and urged them to consider the innocence of the children and the anguish being experienced by their families.

He reminded the abductors that the victims are children whose parents and guardians have invested their hopes, dreams and aspirations 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. In every one of them, you will find reflections of your own children, your own family, and your own humanity,” he said.

Obi stressed that no grievance, hardship or justification could warrant the continued captivity of innocent children, emphasizing that human life and dignity should take precedence over any perceived cause.

According to him, there remains an opportunity for those responsible to demonstrate compassion by releasing the children unharmed.

“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 stated.

The former governor therefore called for the immediate and unconditional release of the children, expressing hope that they would be safely reunited with their families and return to their education and normal lives.

“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,” Obi pleaded.

His appeal comes amid growing national concern over the persistent abduction of schoolchildren and other vulnerable citizens in different parts of the country, with security experts and civil society groups repeatedly calling for stronger measures to combat kidnapping and protect communities from criminal attacks.

Observers say the continued targeting of schools and young people remains one of the most troubling aspects of Nigeria’s security challenges, raising concerns about education, child welfare and public safety across affected regions.