Peter Obi seeks release of abducted schoolchildren

Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has appealed to the abductors of schoolchildren recently kidnapped to release them immediately, describing their condition as heartbreaking and a stark reminder of the country’s worsening insecurity.

In a post via his verified X handle on Wednesday, Obi said he was deeply disturbed by images showing the children bearing signs of physical abuse while in captivity.

“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.

The former Anambra State governor lamented what he described as the long-term consequences of poor governance and societal neglect, warning that today’s failures would ultimately affect future 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,” Obi stated.

He also linked the country’s growing debt burden to the welfare of 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.

Obi made a direct appeal to the abductors, urging them to consider the humanity and innocence of the children.

“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.

According to him, no circumstance could justify inflicting suffering on 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,” Obi said.

He concluded by calling for the immediate and unconditional release of the victims.

“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.”