The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) for the 2027 general election, Peter Obi, has appealed to kidnappers holding a group of schoolchildren and their teachers for more than two weeks to release them immediately in the interest of humanity.
Obi, in a statement signed by Ibrahim Umar, spokesman of the Peter Obi Media Reach (POMR) on Wednesday, he expressed deep concern over the plight of the victims, describing images of their alleged maltreatment as a painful reflection of the worsening security situation in the country.
According to him, the condition of the abducted children, whose bodies reportedly showed signs of flogging and abuse, underscores the urgent need to address insecurity and governance challenges in Nigeria.
“I am deeply shocked and heartbroken by the condition in which these abducted schoolchildren are, as seen from their flagellated bodies. It is a painful reminder of the depth of insecurity in our land,” Obi said.
The former Anambra State governor reiterated his longstanding warning that societal neglect and poor governance often produce consequences that future generations are forced to bear.
“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 nation’s governance challenges to the burden of public debt, arguing that decisions taken by leaders today would have far-reaching implications for 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, Obi appealed to their conscience, urging them to consider the innocence and vulnerability of the children in their custody.
“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,” he said.
The NDC presidential candidate maintained that no grievance or hardship could justify harming innocent children and called on the kidnappers to demonstrate compassion.
“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.
“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,” Obi pleaded.