Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has called on the abductors of schoolchildren kidnapped in Oyo State to release them without delay, describing their situation as a disturbing reflection of Nigeria’s worsening insecurity.
In a statement released on Wednesday, Obi said he was deeply pained after seeing reports and images of the abducted children, alleging that they appeared to have suffered severe physical abuse while in captivity.
The former Anambra State governor said the incident underscores his long-standing concerns about governance failures and their impact on future generations.
Obi lamented that the country’s current security challenges are the result of years of neglect and poor leadership decisions.
He said: “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 recalled that he had often warned that societal neglect would eventually harm the very children who are meant to benefit from it.
“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,” he said.
Obi added that the incident reflects how poor governance choices today can create long-term consequences for the next generation.
The Labour Party leader also referenced Nigeria’s borrowing practices, warning that current financial decisions could burden young citizens in the future.
“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.
“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.”
Addressing the abductors directly, Obi made an emotional appeal for the children’s release, urging them to reflect on the innocence of their victims and the pain of their families.
He said: “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 stressed that no justification exists for harming children, calling for compassion and humanity in resolving the situation.
“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 added.
Obi concluded by urging the abductors to release the children safely and reunite them with their families.
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