Peter Obi, 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, says the rising abduction of schoolchildren poses a serious threat to Nigeria’s future and worsening education crisis.
In a post on X on Saturday, Obi condemned the recent attacks and kidnappings involving students in parts of Borno State and Oyo State.
According to him, the incidents represent a major failure to protect children and guarantee their right to education.
“There is nothing more heartbreaking for a nation than an inability to protect its children,” he wrote.
The former Anambra governor said that attacks in Mussa village, Askira/Uba LGA of Borno state, and Ahoro-Esinele community in Oriire LGA of Oyo state could force many children, especially girls, to permanently abandon education.
“The fear of further abduction often leads children — especially girls — to permanently leave school,” he said.
Obi noted that the country’s out-of-school crisis could worsen if insecurity around schools persists.
“In areas frequently affected by such attacks, education systems often deteriorate,” he wrote.
“Fear becomes a substantial obstacle to school enrollment.”
The former presidential candidate said protecting schools should be treated as both a moral and national responsibility.
“Ensuring the safety of schools is not just a logistical issue; it is a moral obligation,” he said.
Obi called for community-led intelligence gathering, stronger protection for educational institutions and a justice system capable of holding perpetrators accountable.
“For the actualisation of a new Nigeria that is possible, we must make the safety, education, and wellbeing of our children a priority,” he added.
