Oyo Students’ Kidnapping: “Please release these children for the sake of our shared humanity” — Peter Obi pleads

Nigeria Democratic Congress NDC presidential candidate Peter Obi has appealed to the abductors of school children kidnapped in Oyo State to release them immediately, describing their condition as a heartbreaking reflection of the growing insecurity facing the country.

In a statement on Wednesday, Obi said he was deeply shocked after seeing images of the children, whose bodies reportedly showed signs of severe flogging and abuse while in captivity.

The former Anambra State governor said the incident reinforced his long-held warning that the consequences of poor governance and societal neglect often fall on future generations.

Obi Links Insecurity to Governance Failures

Expressing concern over the children’s plight, Obi argued that the challenges confronting Nigeria today are the result of years of neglect and poor leadership.

“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,” he said.

Obi recalled repeatedly warning that societal failures eventually return to affect younger 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.”

According to him, the suffering of the abducted pupils demonstrates how the misuse of governance today can create devastating consequences for future generations.

Warning Over Future Consequences

The Labour Party leader also used the occasion to reiterate his concerns about public borrowing, arguing that decisions taken by current leaders could impose burdens on young Nigerians in the years ahead.

“This is a classic example of how the abuse of governance and society today can produce devastating consequences long after the abusers are gone,” Obi stated.

“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.”

Direct Appeal to Kidnappers

Addressing those holding the children captive, Obi made an emotional appeal, urging them to consider the innocence of their victims and the anguish being experienced by their families.

“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.

Obi stressed that no grievance or hardship could justify harming innocent children, adding that compassion and mercy should prevail.

“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 concluded with a passionate plea for the children’s safe return.

“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.”