KEY POINTS

• Obi says political leaders are prioritizing the 2027 elections over the safety of children and ordinary citizens.
• Schoolchildren kidnapped in Borno and Oyo states have spent two weeks in captivity, with no release secured.
• He cited deadly attacks across Plateau, Kogi and Anambra states as evidence of worsening insecurity.

Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi has criticized Nigeria’s political leaders for prioritizing the 2027 elections over the safety of citizens, particularly children. In a statement posted on his social media account Tuesday, the former Anambra State governor said schoolchildren abducted in Borno and Oyo states remained in captivity two weeks after their kidnapping.

Peter Obi decries focus on elections

Obi said government attention appeared centered on publicizing the formation of a rescue team rather than securing the victims’ immediate release. He described the persistent attacks on schools and communities as a grave national concern, stressing that such incidents should not occur in a country that is not officially at war.

“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.

A pattern of deadly attacks

The former presidential candidate cited several recent attacks as evidence of the deteriorating security situation. He recalled the killing of at least seven people and the wounding of 10 others by terrorists in Gwon-Ajang Village in the Foron District of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State on Sunday.

Obi also referenced an attack on Ayegunle-Igun Community in Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State, where armed assailants reportedly kidnapped more than 25 people and killed one resident. In Anambra State, he noted, two police officers were killed in a recent attack by armed criminals.

He highlighted the abduction of 46 people, including 39 students, seven teachers and a principal, from three schools in the Ahoro-Esinle Community of Oriire Local Government Area near Ogbomoso, Oyo State. He also recalled the kidnapping of between 48 and 51 pupils and students in the Mussa Community of Askira-Uba Local Government Area of Borno State by suspected Boko Haram insurgents on May 15, 2026.

The victims, comprising nursery, primary and secondary school pupils, have remained in captivity for two weeks, according to Obi. He called for urgent and decisive action to protect citizens, especially children, from the growing threat posed by kidnappers, terrorists and other criminals.