JUST IN: Peter Obi welcomes rescue of Oyo schoolchildren, calls for stronger security

Politics

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has welcomed the rescue of the schoolchildren and teachers abducted in Oyo State, describing their safe return after 56 days in captivity as a moment of thanksgiving for the nation.

The victims were kidnapped on May 15, 2026, when suspected Ansaru terrorists attacked three schools in Oriire Community, Oriire Local Government Area, near Ogbomoso in Oyo State.

President Bola Tinubu announced on Friday that the abductees were rescued alive and unharmed during a coordinated military, police and intelligence-led operation without the payment of ransom or any concession to the terrorists.

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Reacting in a statement on Saturday titled, “The Children’s Safe Return Is Worthy of Thanksgiving,” Obi expressed gratitude to the security personnel and all those involved in securing the victims’ release.

“I am greatly relieved and delighted to learn of the safe rescue of the schoolchildren who were kidnapped. I sincerely thank all those whose tireless efforts made their freedom possible, especially the security personnel and everyone who worked behind the scenes,” he said.

While celebrating the successful rescue, the former Anambra State governor warned that the repeated abduction of schoolchildren highlights the urgent need to strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture.

“While we celebrate this happy outcome, we must remember that no child should ever have to endure such trauma. The recurring incidents of kidnapping, particularly of schoolchildren, underscore the urgent need to strengthen our security architecture and make the protection of lives and property the foremost responsibility of government,” Obi said.

He stressed that Nigerian children deserve to pursue their education in a safe and secure environment without fear of violence or abduction.

“Our children deserve to learn in an atmosphere of safety, not fear. We must continue to work towards building a Nigeria where every child can pursue education without the threat of violence or abduction,” he added.

Obi congratulated the rescued children, their families, their schools and Nigerians, describing the development as a welcome relief after weeks of uncertainty.