Obi hails rescue of Oyo pupils, seeks stronger protection for schoolchildren

Peter Obi, the presidential candidate for the Nigeria Democratic Congress in the 2027 election, has expressed profound relief following the safe rescue of abducted pupils and teachers in Oyo State. He described the successful operation as a moment for thanksgiving and seized the opportunity to call for a significant enhancement of Nigeria's security infrastructure.

“

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.

In a statement shared on his X account, Obi extended his sincere gratitude to all individuals and security personnel whose tireless efforts contributed to the victims' freedom. "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 wrote.

While celebrating the rescue, Obi highlighted the recurring nature of such incidents, particularly targeting schoolchildren. He stressed the urgent need to bolster national security to ensure the protection of lives and property, which he considers the government's foremost responsibility. "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," he stated.

“

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 further asserted that every Nigerian child has the right to an education in a secure environment, free from the pervasive threat of violence and 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. The former Anambra State governor rejoiced with the rescued pupils, their families, schools, and the nation at large over the successful operation. The Presidency confirmed the rescue, noting that eight suspected kidnappers were arrested and several others killed during a coordinated operation, with no negotiations or concessions made to the abductors.

“

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.