Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has expressed concern over the worsening security situation across Nigeria, lamenting that dozens of schoolchildren abducted in Borno and Oyo states remain in captivity two weeks after their kidnapping.

In a statement on X formerly on Tuesday, Obi criticized what he described as the government’s focus on publicizing security initiatives while victims of recent abductions continue to suffer in captivity.

According to him, the continued detention of the schoolchildren highlights the growing insecurity facing the country and raises serious questions about the effectiveness of ongoing rescue efforts.

The former Anambra State governor pointed to a series of recent attacks across different parts of the country, including the killing of at least seven people and the injury of 10 others by terrorists in Gwon-Ajang Village, Foron District of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.

He also cited an attack in Kogi State, where armed assailants reportedly kidnapped more than 25 people and killed a resident during a raid on Ayegunle-Igun Community in Kaba-Bunu Local Government Area.

Obi said the attackers, described as heavily armed, carried out the operation in a commando-style manner, leaving residents traumatized.

He further mourned the killing of two police officers in a bandit attack in Anambra State, describing the incident as another indication of the security challenges confronting the nation.

The former presidential candidate recalled the abduction of 46 people, including 39 students, seven teachers and a school principal, from three schools in the Ahoro-Esinle Community of Oriire Local Government Area in Oyo State.

The affected schools were identified as Community Grammar School, Yawota Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School.

Obi also referenced the kidnapping of between 48 and 51 pupils and students in Mussa Community, Askira-Uba Local Government Area of Borno State, by suspected Boko Haram insurgents on May 15, 2026.

He noted that the victims, comprising nursery, primary and secondary school students, have remained in captivity for two weeks, a situation he described as deeply troubling.

Obi criticized the political class for focusing on future elections rather than addressing the immediate security concerns affecting citizens, particularly vulnerable children.

“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,” he said.

He warned that the continued targeting of schoolchildren in a country not officially at war represents a grave national challenge and called for urgent action to secure the release of all abducted victims and restore public confidence in the nation’s security architecture. (The Nation)

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