Former Anambra State Governor and presidential candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has called for the immediate release of abducted schoolchildren, expressing shock over their reported condition.
In a post shared on his X account, Obi said he was “deeply shocked and heartbroken” by what he described as the condition of the abducted children, referencing images circulating online showing their “flagellated bodies”. “Please release these children for the sake of our shared humanity,” he wrote.
He described the incident as a painful reminder of the worsening insecurity in the country, warning that the consequences of neglecting governance and societal responsibility today would have long-term effects on future generations. “I have always made it clear that the society we abuse today will take its revenge on our children tomorrow,” he said.
Obi also referenced his longstanding warnings about public debt, arguing that loans taken by leaders today could become a burden on future generations when repayment falls due. “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 stated.
He urged the abductors to reflect on their actions and appealed to their sense of humanity. “No grievance, no hardship, no justification can ever outweigh the sanctity of a child’s life and innocence,” he added. Obi concluded by calling for mercy and the immediate release of the children, urging that they be safely returned to their families.
The statement reads in full:
“Please release these children for the sake of our shared humanity
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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. -PO”
