Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has raised alarm over the deteriorating security situation in Nigeria, accusing political leaders of prioritising preparations for the 2027 general elections while citizens, particularly schoolchildren, remain vulnerable to attacks and abductions.
In a statement shared via his social media platform on Tuesday, Obi expressed deep concern over the continued captivity of dozens of schoolchildren abducted in Borno and Oyo states, noting that more than two weeks after the incidents, the victims have yet to regain their freedom.
The former Anambra State governor criticised what he described as a misplaced focus by authorities, arguing that government efforts appear concentrated on announcing rescue initiatives rather than securing the immediate release of the kidnapped children.
Obi cited a series of recent violent attacks across the country as evidence of a worsening security crisis.
He referenced the killing of at least seven persons and the injury of 10 others in Gwon-Ajang Village, Foron District of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, Plateau State, where terrorists launched an attack on Sunday.
He also pointed to a coordinated assault on Ayegunle-Igun Community in Kaba-Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State, during which armed men reportedly kidnapped more than 25 residents and killed one person.
In Anambra State, Obi noted that two police officers were recently killed by armed criminals, further underscoring the growing insecurity across the nation.
The former presidential candidate additionally highlighted the abduction of 46 persons, including 39 students, seven teachers and a school principal, from three schools in the Ahoro-Esinle Community of Oriire Local Government Area near Ogbomoso in Oyo State.
He also recalled the kidnapping of between 48 and 51 pupils and students from the Mussa Community in Askira-Uba Local Government Area of Borno State by suspected Boko Haram insurgents on May 15, 2026. According to Obi, the victims, made up of nursery, primary and secondary school pupils, have remained in captivity for more than two weeks.
“Meanwhile, amid all these tragic developments, we politicians remain consumed by the next election, paying far more attention to political ambitions than to the safety and well-being of our children and fellow citizens,” Obi stated.
Describing the persistent attacks on schools and communities as a national tragedy, he said such incidents should not be occurring in a country that is not officially at war.
Obi called for urgent and decisive measures to tackle insecurity, urging authorities to prioritise the protection of lives and property while intensifying efforts to secure the release of abducted victims.
He stressed that the safety of Nigerians, especially children, must take precedence over political calculations and electoral ambitions.
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