No child should endure such trauma’ — Obi demands stronger security for schoolchildren
Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has commended the release of pupils and teachers abducted in Oyo state.
On Friday, Bayo Onanuga, special adviser on information and strategy to President Bola Tinubu, said eight of the kidnappers were arrested during the operation, while several others were killed.
Onanuga added that one of the terrorist kingpins, whose release the abductors had demanded, is currently being prosecuted.
On May 15, gunmen attacked Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; Community Grammar School, Esiele; and LA Primary School, all in Oriire LGA.
The incident prompted the Oyo state government to shut schools in four LGAs as security agencies intensified efforts to rescue the victims.
Reacting to the development in an X post on Saturday, Obi described the safe return as “worthy of thanksgiving”.
He commended security personnel and others involved in securing the victims’ release.
I am greatly relieved and delighted to learn of the safe rescue of the schoolchildren who were kidnapped,” Obi said.
“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 the incident showed the need to strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture, warning that no child should be subjected to the trauma of abduction.
“While we celebrate this happy outcome, we must remember that no child should ever have to endure such trauma,” he noted.
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 the government.
“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.
“I rejoice with the children, their families, their schools, and all Nigerians on this heartening development.