Peter Obi Decries Widespread Insecurity Following Abduction of Over 200 School Children in Kaduna

Peter Obi has again expressed concern over the pervasive insecurity plaguing Nigeria following the recent abduction of over 200 pupils, students and a teacher from local primary and junior secondary schools in Kuriga, Chikun Local Government area of Kaduna State.

Taking to his official X handle on Friday, Obi decried the alarming frequency of killings, terror attacks, and abductions across the nation while calling for more concerted efforts to combat the continuing menace of nationwide insecurity.

He stressed the need to prioritise the safe release of the abducted children while implementing better security measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.

He said:

We are again confronted with the ugly news of the abduction of over 200 pupils and students plus a teacher of local primary and junior secondary schools in Kuriga, Chikun Local Government area of Kaduna State.

While every effort should be directed towards the safe release of the children, better security measures need to be implemented to avoid future occurrences.

Highlighting the profound impact of insecurity on education, Obi warned that further attacks on schools would only worsen the already dire situation, potentially increasing the number of out-of-school children, which currently stands at over 18 million due to school closures prompted by insecurity.

He added that:

While insecurity has continued to bear down on every sector of our national existence, its negative impact on education will be more devastating for the nation.

We are already contending with an army of over 18 million out-of-school children, arising from the closure of schools due to insecurity. Further attacks on schools will only aggravate these numbers, drive more children into the streets, and add to the insecurity situation of the country.

Addressing the government at both state and federal levels, Obi appealed that all possible means be explored to ensure the safe release of the abducted school children and their teachers. He urged Nigerians to unite in prayer and action to overcome the nation’s unusual challenges.

“We must ensure that every Nigerian child can pursue their dreams and aspirations in a safe and secure nation. This is our duty in the new Nigeria, which is possible,” he concluded.

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