Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has criticized the Federal Government over the rising wave of school abductions across the country, alleging that more pupils, students and teachers have been kidnapped under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration than in previous years, Peak Newspaper reports.
Obi made the remarks while reacting to the recent abductions of schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo and Borno states, describing the incidents as evidence of a worsening security situation.
He expressed concern that despite repeated assurances by the government, many abducted victims remain in captivity while attacks on educational institutions continue to spread across different regions of the country.
According to reports compiled by several media organizations, at least 551 students and school personnel have been abducted in major school kidnapping incidents since President Tinubu assumed office in May 2023.
Analysts say the figure represents a significant increase compared to the early years of previous administrations and underscores the growing threat posed by kidnappers and terrorist groups targeting schools.
Obi lamented that while communities grapple with insecurity, political actors appear increasingly focused on preparations for the 2027 general elections.
He urged authorities to place greater emphasis on protecting lives and securing the release of abducted schoolchildren rather than concentrating on political contests.
The former Anambra State governor also called for urgent reforms in the country’s security architecture, insisting that the protection of schools and vulnerable communities should be treated as a national emergency.
He warned that continued attacks on educational institutions could have far-reaching consequences for education and national development.
