ABUJA — Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) for the 2027 general election, has made a passionate, direct appeal to the abductors of school children and teachers who have been held in captivity for several weeks following a coordinated attack in Oyo State.
A Heartfelt Appeal
Writing on his X platform on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, Obi expressed deep anguish over the plight of the victims. Having viewed reports concerning the condition of the abducted individuals many of whom are children he described the situation as a heartbreaking manifestation of Nigeria’s deep-seated insecurity.
Addressing the kidnappers directly, Obi urged them to search their consciences, emphasizing the shared humanity that links all Nigerians. He stated:
"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 further implored the abductors to prioritize life and mercy:
"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. 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."
Context of the Crisis
The appeal comes amid a growing national outcry following the mid-May abduction of dozens of pupils and teachers from three schools in the Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State. The incident has caused widespread panic, leading the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) to call for an open-ended strike starting this week in protest against the continued captivity of their colleagues and students.
Obi used the opportunity to reflect on the broader state of governance in Nigeria, noting that the systemic "abuse of governance" today produces devastating consequences for the future of the nation's youth. He warned that the actions taken by current leaders and the failure to provide a secure environment will have lasting repercussions long after those in power have left office.
As the search for the abducted students and teachers continues, government authorities and security agencies have intensified rescue operations, with the Federal Government recently deploying special troops and recruiting forest rangers to reinforce security in the affected region.
