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By Our Reporter

Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential Candidate for 2027 elections, Mr. Peter Obi, has launched a scathing attack on Nigeria’s political leadership over worsening insecurity across the country, lamenting that politicians are more preoccupied with the next election cycle than the safety of citizens and abducted schoolchildren.

In a statement posted on his X account on Tuesday, Obi expressed deep concern over the continued captivity of dozens of schoolchildren kidnapped in Borno and Oyo states, noting that two weeks after their abduction, the victims remain in the hands of their captors while government efforts appear focused on public relations rather than concrete rescue operations.

The former Anambra State governor criticized what he described as the government’s emphasis on media announcements, including plans to establish a 1,000-member rescue team, while the abducted children continue to endure harsh conditions in captivity.

Obi painted a grim picture of the nation’s security landscape, citing a string of deadly attacks and kidnappings across several states as evidence that the country’s security situation is rapidly deteriorating.

He referenced the recent terrorist attack in Gwon-Ajang Village, Foron District of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State, where at least seven persons were reportedly killed and ten others injured.

According to him, Kogi State also witnessed another wave of violence when heavily armed attackers stormed Ayegunle-Igun Community in Kaba-Bunu Local Government Area, kidnapping more than 25 residents and killing one person during a coordinated early-morning raid.

The former presidential candidate further mourned the killing of two police officers in Anambra State during a bandit attack, describing the incident as another painful reminder of the growing insecurity confronting the nation.

Obi recalled the abduction of 46 persons, including 39 students, seven teachers and a school principal, from three schools in the Ahoro-Esinle Community of Oriire Local Government Area in Oyo State. He also highlighted the kidnapping of between 48 and 51 pupils and students in Mussa Community of Askira-Uba Local Government Area of Borno State by suspected Boko Haram insurgents.

The victims, he noted, included nursery, primary and secondary school pupils who have remained in captivity since May 15.

Condemning what he called the misplaced priorities of the nation’s political elite, Obi said it was disturbing that discussions about the 2027 elections were dominating public discourse while innocent children remained in the custody of kidnappers and communities continued to come under attack.

“Meanwhile, amid all these tragic developments, we politicians remain consumed by the next election, paying far more attention to political ambitions than to the safety and well-being of our children and fellow citizens,” he stated.

Obi warned that the continued targeting of schoolchildren in a country not officially at war reflects a deep national failure and demands urgent intervention.

“In a nation that is not at war, the ongoing insecurity that endangers schoolchildren signifies a profound and serious challenge,” he said.

The former presidential candidate called for greater urgency and commitment from government at all levels to confront the escalating security crisis and ensure the safe return of all abducted victims.