The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in the 2027 election, Peter Obi, has welcomed the successful rescue of the pupils and teachers abducted in Oyo State, describing their freedom as a moment of gratitude while calling for stronger measures to protect schoolchildren across Nigeria.
In a statement shared on his X account on Saturday, Obi expressed relief over the rescue and commended the security personnel and everyone who contributed to securing the victims’ release.
“I am greatly relieved and delighted to learn of the safe rescue of the schoolchildren who were kidnapped. I sincerely thank all those whose tireless efforts made their freedom possible, especially the security personnel and everyone who worked behind the scenes,” Obi wrote.
While celebrating the rescue, the former Anambra State governor warned that the repeated abduction of schoolchildren highlights the urgent need to strengthen Nigeria’s security system.
“The recurring incidents of kidnapping, particularly of schoolchildren, underscore the urgent need to strengthen our security architecture and make the protection of lives and property the foremost responsibility of government,” he said.
Obi stressed that every Nigerian child deserves to learn in a safe and secure environment without fear of violence or kidnapping.
“Our children deserve to learn in an atmosphere of safety, not fear. We must continue to work towards building a Nigeria where every child can pursue education without the threat of violence or abduction,” he added.
He also congratulated the rescued pupils, their families, schools and Nigerians on the successful operation.
Obi’s reaction followed the Presidency’s announcement that the abducted pupils and teachers were rescued alive during a coordinated operation involving security agencies.
According to the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, eight suspected kidnappers were arrested, while several others were neutralised during the rescue operation.
He also disclosed that the victims were freed without any negotiation or concession to the abductors, despite demands for the release of one of their detained kingpins.
Source: Peter Obi’s X account.
