The National Democratic Party (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has appealed to the abductors of recently abducted Oyo pupils to release them immediately, expressing deep concern over the condition of the victims and describing their ordeal as a reflection of Nigeria’s worsening insecurity.
Obi, in a statement on Wednesday, said he was shocked and heartbroken by images showing the abducted Oyo pupils with visible injuries, stressing that no child should be subjected to such suffering.
“I am deeply shocked and heartbroken by the condition in which these abducted schoolchildren are, as seen from their flagellated bodies. It is a painful reminder of the depth of insecurity in our land,” Obi said.
The former Governor of Anambra State noted that the incident reinforced his long-standing warning that the consequences of poor governance and societal neglect often fall on future generations.
“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. 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 stated.
Obi also linked the situation to concerns about decisions being made today that could adversely affect future generations, including the nation’s growing debt burden.
“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,” he added.
Addressing the abductors directly, Obi appealed to their conscience and urged them to consider the innocence of the children and the anguish being experienced by their families.
“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 said.
According to Obi, no grievance or hardship can justify the suffering of innocent children.
“No grievance, no hardship, no justification can ever outweigh the sanctity of a child’s life and innocence. Whatever path has led to this moment, there is still room for remorse, for humanity and for a change of heart.”
He therefore called for the immediate and unconditional release of the victims, urging their captors to allow them return safely to their families and communities.
“I appeal to your sense of mercy: release these children immediately. Let them go. Return them safely to society and reunite them with their families,” Obi said.