Nigeria’s former Labor Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, expressed deep concern over the continuation kidnapping schoolchildren across the country, describing the situation as a national tragedy and a sign of collapsing school security.
In a strongly worded statement marking the Children’s Day celebration, Obi said his thoughts remained heavy despite the occasion meant to honor Nigeria’s children.
He complained that several schoolchildren had spent years in captivitywhile their images continue to circulate on social media, reflecting unresolved insecurities.
Growing insecurity in schools and a prolonged detention crisis
Obi condemned the repeated attacks on schools and the inability of authorities to ensure the safety of students, warning that the trend had created fear among parents, teachers and students across the country.
He stressed that education cannot progress in an environment where children are no longer safe in school premises.
According to him, the prolonged detention of abducted children is a national shame and a painful reminder of the country’s security challenges.
He noted that many families continue to live in anxiety, waiting for news of missing children without a conclusion.
He further argued that a country that is unable to protect its children from criminal gangs risks losing global respect and moral credibility.
He described the situation as unacceptable and called for immediate action to restore safety in schools.
Obi added that while Children’s Day should be a moment of joy and reflection, it has instead become a reminder of unfinished responsibilities towards the protection of the nation’s youngest citizens.
