Former presidential candidate Peter Obi has condemned the recent attacks and kidnappings of schoolchildren in parts of Borno and Oyo states, describing the trend as a worsening threat to Nigeria’s education system and national future.
In a statement issued on Saturday, Obi said the abduction of students from schools in Mussa Village, Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno State, and Ahoro-Esinele community in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State reflected a deepening insecurity crisis.
“Sad: Schoolchildren Now ‘Pawns in Ransom Economy’ There is nothing more heartbreaking for a nation than an inability to protect its children,” he said.
Obi warned that the repeated targeting of schools represents not only a security failure but also a direct attack on the right of children to education, noting that fear of abduction is already pushing many children, particularly girls, out of school.
He said, “The recent attacks and kidnappings of students from two schools—in Mussa Village, Askira/Uba LGA, Borno State (North-East) and Ahoro-Esinele community, Oriire Local Government Area, Oyo State (South-West)—mark a grave crisis that threatens the future of the nation.”
He warned that fear of abduction is already discouraging school attendance, particularly among girls, and worsening Nigeria’s out-of-school children crisis.
