RismadarVoice Reporters
June 2, 2026
The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has expressed concern over what he described as the worsening security situation across the country, lamenting that dozens of schoolchildren abducted in Borno and Oyo states remain in captivity two weeks after their kidnapping.
In a statement on Tuesday, Obi criticised the government’s handling of the security crisis, saying that while authorities were publicising plans for rescue operations, the victims continued to suffer in the custody of their captors.
According to him, the continued detention of the abducted children underscores the gravity of the country’s security challenges and the urgent need for decisive action.
“Two weeks have passed since schoolchildren were kidnapped in Borno and Oyo States, yet they remain in captivity,” Obi said. “Meanwhile, the government is promoting the formation of a thousand-member rescue team through the media while the children continue to suffer in the wilderness.”
The former Anambra State governor cited a series of recent attacks across different parts of the country as evidence of the deteriorating security environment.
He referenced the killing of at least seven people and the injury of 10 others during an attack on Gwon-Ajang Village in the Foron District of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State on Sunday.
Obi also pointed to a reported attack in Kaba-Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State, where armed assailants allegedly kidnapped more than 25 persons and killed a resident during a raid on Ayegunle-Igun Community.
In Anambra State, he noted that two police officers were recently killed in an attack by armed criminals, describing the incident as another indication of growing insecurity.
The NDC presidential candidate further recalled the abduction of dozens of pupils, students, teachers and a school principal from three schools in the Ahoro-Esinle Community of Oriire Local Government Area, Oyo State, where armed men reportedly kidnapped 46 persons, including 39 students.
He also cited the kidnapping of between 48 and 51 pupils and students in Mussa Community, Askira-Uba Local Government Area of Borno State, allegedly by suspected Boko Haram insurgents on May 15, 2026.
According to Obi, the victims—ranging from nursery school children to secondary school students—have now spent two weeks in captivity without being rescued.
The opposition figure expressed concern that political activities and preparations for future elections were overshadowing urgent national security issues.
“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.
Obi described the persistent attacks on schools and communities as unacceptable in a country not officially at war, warning that the continued targeting of schoolchildren poses a serious threat to national stability and development.
He called on government authorities and security agencies to intensify efforts to secure the release of abducted victims and restore public confidence in the nation’s security architecture.
The statement comes amid renewed concerns over kidnappings, banditry, insurgency and violent attacks in several parts of the country, particularly in rural communities and educational institutions.
