Peter Obi decries rising schoolchildren kidnappings, warns of deepening education crisis in Nigeria

Crime Diary, Education

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — Presidential aspirant and chieftain of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has condemned the recent wave of mass kidnappings involving schoolchildren in both Northern and Southern Nigeria, describing the incidents as a tragic reflection of the country’s worsening insecurity crisis.

In a statement titled, “Sad: Schoolchildren Now ‘Pawns in Ransom Economy’,” Obi said there was nothing more heartbreaking for a nation than its inability to protect its children.

He lamented the recent abduction attacks on students in Mussa Village, Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno State and Ahoro-Esinele community in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, warning that the growing trend poses a grave threat to Nigeria’s future.

According to him, beyond the immediate trauma inflicted on victims and their families, the attacks amount to a direct assault on children’s right to education and safe upbringing.

Obi noted that persistent insecurity around schools often forces many children, particularly girls, out of the classroom permanently due to fear of further attacks.

The former Anambra governor further expressed concern over Nigeria’s already alarming out-of-school children crisis, warning that continued kidnappings and attacks on educational institutions could further worsen the situation.

“In areas repeatedly affected by these attacks, education systems gradually collapse as fear becomes a major barrier to school enrollment,” he said.

He stressed that securing schools must go beyond logistics, insisting it remains a moral responsibility for government and society.

The NDC chieftain called for a combination of community-based intelligence gathering, improved security infrastructure around schools, and a transparent justice system capable of holding perpetrators accountable.

“For the actualization of a new Nigeria that is possible, we must make the safety, education, and wellbeing of our children a priority,” Obi stated.