BREAKING: Peter Obi Sends Strong Message to Abductors of Oyo Schoolchildren
Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has expressed outrage over the condition of the schoolchildren and their teachers abducted in Oyo, Borno, and other states in Nigeria, describing their ordeal as a painful reflection of the country’s failure and worsening insecurity.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, the former Anambra State governor appealed directly to the bandits and terrorists holding the children captive, urging them to release the victims immediately and allow them to reunite with their families.
“Please release these children for the sake of our shared humanity,” Obi stated.
“I am deeply shocked and heartbroken by the condition in which these abducted school children are, as seen from their flagellated bodies. It is a painful reminder of the depth of insecurity in our land.”
Obi lamented the long-term consequences of poor governance and societal neglect, noting that today’s failures often become tomorrow’s tragedies.
“I have always made it clear that the society we abuse today will take its revenge on our children tomorrow. When I first began making that statement, some of these children were not even born,” he said.
“This is a classic example of how the abuse of governance and society today can produce devastating consequences long after the abusers are gone.”
He also linked the current security crisis to broader concerns about governance, warning that decisions taken by leaders today could impose severe burdens on future generations.
“It is on the same line that I argue that the loans our leaders take today will hurt our children in the future, as many of them will mature for repayment and consequences long after we are gone,” Obi said.
Addressing the abductors directly, Obi urged them to consider the humanity of the children in their custody.
He said, “To those holding these children, I make a direct appeal to your conscience. Remember that these are innocent children – sons and daughters of people who have placed their hopes, dreams, and entire future in them.
“In every one of them, you will find reflections of your own children, your own family, and your own humanity.”
He insisted that no grievance or circumstance could justify harming innocent children.
“No grievance, no hardship, no justification can ever outweigh the sanctity of a child’s life and innocence,” Obi stressed.
“Whatever path has led to this moment, there is still room for remorse, for humanity, and for a change of heart.”
Obi appealed for the immediate release of the children, saying, “I therefore appeal to your sense of mercy: release these children immediately. Let them go. Return them safely to society to reunite with their families.”
