Obi Raises Alarm Over Worsening Insecurity

The Presidential Candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has expressed deep concern over the worsening security situation in Nigeria, lamenting the continued captivity of schoolchildren abducted in separate incidents in Borno and Oyo States.

In a statement on Tuesday titled “Concerns About Deteriorating Security,” Obi decried what he described as the growing disconnect between the country’s worsening security challenges and the increasing focus of politicians on electoral calculations ahead of future elections.

The former Anambra State governor noted that two weeks after the abduction of schoolchildren in Borno and Oyo States, the victims remain in captivity, while government efforts appear focused on publicizing the formation of a large rescue team.

“Two weeks have passed since schoolchildren were kidnapped in Borno and Oyo States, yet they remain in captivity. Meanwhile, the government is promoting the formation of a thousand-member rescue team through the media while the children continue to suffer in the wilderness,” he stated.

Obi cited a series of recent attacks across the country as evidence of the deteriorating security situation. He referenced the killing of at least seven people and the injury of ten others in Gwon-Ajang Village, Foron District of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State, following an attack by terrorists on Sunday.

He also drew attention to an incident in Kogi State, where armed assailants reportedly kidnapped more than 25 persons and killed one resident during a coordinated raid on the Ayegunle-Igun Community in Kaba-Bunu Local Government Area.

According to him, the attackers, described as heavily armed, carried out the operation in a commando-style manner, leaving residents terrified.

In Anambra State, Obi mourned the killing of two police officers in a separate attack by armed bandits, describing the incident as another painful reminder of the security challenges confronting the nation.

The NDC presidential candidate further recalled the abduction of 46 people, including 39 students, seven teachers and a school principal, from three schools in the Ahoro-Esinle Community of Oriire Local Government Area near Ogbomoso in Oyo State.

The affected schools were identified as Community Grammar School, Yawota Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School.

He also referenced the abduction of between 48 and 51 pupils and students in Mussa Community, Askira-Uba Local Government Area of Borno State, allegedly by Boko Haram insurgents on May 15, 2026.

The victims, Obi noted, included nursery, primary and secondary school students who have now spent two weeks in captivity.

Expressing frustration over the nation’s priorities, Obi criticized members of the political class for focusing more on political ambitions than on addressing the country’s urgent security challenges.

“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 said.

He argued that the continued insecurity affecting schoolchildren in a country that is not officially at war represents a profound national crisis requiring urgent and decisive action.

According to Obi, the persistent attacks, kidnappings and loss of innocent lives across different parts of the country should compel leaders at all levels to place the protection of citizens above political considerations.

He called for renewed commitment to securing lives and property, stressing that the safety and welfare of Nigerians must remain the foremost responsibility of government.