The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress in the 2027 election, Peter Obi, has expressed relief over the safe rescue of the schoolchildren who were abducted, while urging the government to strengthen the country’s security architecture to prevent similar incidents.

In a statement on his verified X handle on Saturday, Obi thanked security personnel and others involved in securing the children’s freedom.

“I am greatly relieved and delighted to learn of the safe rescue of the schoolchildren who were kidnapped.

“I sincerely thank all those whose tireless efforts made their freedom possible, especially the security personnel and everyone who worked behind the scenes,” he wrote.

The former Anambra State Governor, however, stressed that the successful rescue should not overshadow the need to address the growing menace of kidnappings across the country.

“While we celebrate this happy outcome, we must remember that no child should ever have to endure such trauma.

“The recurring incidents of kidnapping, particularly of schoolchildren, underscore the urgent need to strengthen our security architecture and make the protection of lives and property the foremost responsibility of government,” Obi wrote.

He added that children should be able to pursue their education without fear of violence or abduction.

“Our children deserve to learn in an atmosphere of safety, not fear. We must continue to work towards building a Nigeria where every child can pursue education without the threat of violence or abduction,” he said.

Obi also rejoiced with the rescued children, their families and the nation over the development.

“I rejoice with the children, their families, their schools, and all Nigerians on this heartening development,” he said, adding, “A new Nigeria is possible.”

His comments followed the Presidency’s confirmation that the abducted pupils and teachers had been rescued alive during a coordinated security operation.

As earlier reported by PUNCH Online, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said eight suspected kidnappers were arrested while several others were killed during the operation.

According to Onanuga, the rescue was carried out without negotiations or concessions to the abductors, despite their demand for the release of one of their detained leaders.

“In the course of the rescue operation, eight of the kidnappers were arrested and are now in DSS custody, while some of them were neutralised.

“There was no quid pro quo in the rescue as one of the terrorists, a kingpin, whose release the kidnappers demanded, is being prosecuted for his atrocities. The security agencies will give a full account soon,” Onanuga said.

Following their rescue, the pupils and teachers expressed gratitude to President Tinubu and the security agencies. In a video released by the Presidency, one of the victims thanked the President for his efforts to secure their freedom.

“We are grateful, Mr President, sir. We understand your commitment to our safety, and we appreciate all you did for us. We could see it in your heart. Thank you very much,” the victim said.

The President and Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, also welcomed the successful operation and commended the security agencies for rescuing the victims safely. (PUNCH)

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