Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has expressed deep concern over the worsening security situation in Nigeria, calling on authorities to intensify efforts to rescue dozens of schoolchildren who remain in captivity two weeks after being abducted in Oyo and Borno states.
Obi said the continued detention of the pupils and students highlights the serious security challenges facing the country and raises questions about the effectiveness of efforts aimed at protecting lives and securing the release of victims.
In a statement posted on his X account on Tuesday, the former Anambra State governor criticized what he described as the growing tendency to focus attention on political activities and public relations efforts while innocent Nigerians continue to suffer at the hands of kidnappers, terrorists and other criminal groups.
According to him, the plight of the abducted schoolchildren should be receiving urgent national attention because the victims have remained in captivity despite widespread public concern and calls for their rescue.
Obi said the security situation across the country has reached an alarming level, pointing to a series of violent attacks reported in recent weeks in different parts of Nigeria.
He noted that insecurity was no longer limited to one region, stressing that communities across the country continue to experience kidnappings, killings and attacks by armed groups.
The former presidential candidate specifically referred to the abduction of dozens of pupils, students and teachers from schools in Oyo and Borno states.
In Oyo State, he recalled the attack on schools in Ahoro-Esinle Community in Oriire Local Government Area, where gunmen reportedly abducted 46 people, including pupils, students, teachers and a school principal.
The affected schools were identified as Community Grammar School, Yawota Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School.
The incident sparked outrage across the country and renewed concerns over the safety of schools, particularly those located in rural communities.
The attack also led to calls from teachers’ unions, civil society groups and education stakeholders for stronger security measures around educational institutions.
Obi said it was troubling that the victims had remained in captivity weeks after the incident.
He also referred to a similar attack in Borno State, where suspected Boko Haram insurgents reportedly kidnapped between 48 and 51 pupils and students from Mussa Community in Askira-Uba Local Government Area on May 15, 2026.
According to reports, the victims included nursery, primary and secondary school students who were taken away during the attack.
The former governor said the continued captivity of the children should be a source of national concern because schools ought to be safe places for learning rather than targets for criminal attacks.
He warned that repeated attacks on educational institutions could discourage school attendance and undermine efforts to improve access to education across the country.
Nigeria has experienced several school abductions over the past decade, beginning with the widely reported kidnapping of schoolgirls in Chibok, Borno State, in 2014.
Since then, there have been numerous attacks on schools in different states, leading to the abduction of students and teachers and causing fear among parents and communities.
Many education advocates have argued that such attacks threaten the future of millions of children and could worsen the country’s already high number of out-of-school children.
Beyond the school kidnappings, Obi highlighted other recent security incidents to illustrate the scale of the challenge facing the nation.
He pointed to the killing of at least seven people and the injury of 10 others during a terrorist attack on Gwon-Ajang Village in Foron District of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.
According to him, the attack is another example of the persistent violence affecting communities in different parts of the country.
He also cited a recent incident in Kogi State, where armed men reportedly attacked Ayegunle-Igun Community in Kaba-Bunu Local Government Area.
During the attack, more than 25 people were said to have been kidnapped, while one resident lost his life.
Obi described the operation as a commando-style attack carried out by heavily armed assailants, leaving residents traumatised and fearful.
The former presidential candidate further expressed sadness over the killing of two police officers in Anambra State during a bandit attack.
According to him, attacks on security personnel are additional evidence of the growing threat posed by criminal groups operating across the country.
He argued that the increasing frequency of such incidents shows the urgent need for stronger and more effective security measures.
Obi also criticized political leaders and the wider political class for what he described as an excessive focus on future elections while urgent security challenges remain unresolved.
He said too much attention was being devoted to political calculations and preparations for future contests instead of addressing issues affecting ordinary citizens.
“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 stated.
The former governor warned that the continued targeting of children in schools is unacceptable, especially in a country that is not officially at war.
He said the situation demands immediate and coordinated action from government, security agencies and other stakeholders.
According to him, the protection of children and the security of communities should remain a top national priority.
He called on authorities to intensify rescue operations, strengthen intelligence gathering and improve security around vulnerable schools and communities.
Obi also urged political leaders at all levels to place greater emphasis on protecting lives rather than engaging in endless political battles.
His remarks come amid growing public concern over insecurity and increasing calls for stronger action from security agencies.
Teachers’ unions, civil society organisations, parents and community leaders have repeatedly demanded improved security around schools and faster responses to kidnapping incidents.
For many Nigerians, the continued captivity of schoolchildren in Oyo and Borno states remains a painful reminder of the security challenges confronting the country.
As rescue efforts continue, families of the victims remain hopeful that their children will be safely returned home.
Obi maintained that the nation cannot afford to treat such incidents as routine occurrences, insisting that urgent action is needed to secure the release of all abducted victims and restore public confidence in Nigeria’s security system.
He stressed that protecting children, teachers and communities must remain a priority if the country is to achieve lasting peace, stability and development.