The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) for the 2027 election, Peter Obi, has appealed to kidnappers holding school children captive across the country to release them and allow them reunite with their families.
Obi made the appeal in a statement posted on his đť•Ź account on Wednesday, expressing shock and sadness over the condition of the abducted children, whose images reportedly showed signs of physical abuse.
The former Anambra State governor described the situation as a painful reflection of Nigeria’s worsening security challenges, warning that poor governance and societal neglect often have devastating consequences for future generations.
“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,” Obi said.
He recalled his long-standing warning about the dangers of neglecting societal issues, noting that the effects are often felt by 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. This is a classic example of how the abuse of governance and society today can produce devastating consequences long after the abusers are gone,” he stated.
Obi also linked the current security crisis to broader governance concerns, including the burden of public debt on future generations.
“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,” he added.
Directly addressing the abductors, the NDC presidential candidate urged them to consider the innocence of the children and the anguish being experienced by their families.
“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,” Obi said.
He further stressed that no circumstance could justify harming innocent children.
“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 stated.
Obi concluded by calling for the immediate release of the victims, saying: “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.”
