We’re Not At War, Yet Children Are In Captivity – Obi On Insecurity Crisis

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) 2027 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has raised concern over the rising insecurity across the country, warning that the situation is getting worse while many victims remain in captivity.

In a post shared on his 𝕏 page, he said it has been two weeks since schoolchildren were abducted in parts of Borno and Oyo States, yet they are still being held by their captors.

Naija News reports that the former Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate also noted that while discussions continue about forming a large rescue team through the media, the affected children are still suffering away from home.

The former Anambra Governor pointed to recent violent attacks across different states, including an incident in Plateau State where gunmen attacked Gwon-Ajang village in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, killing at least seven people and leaving several others injured.

In Kogi State, he referenced another attack in Ayegunle-Igun community in Kaba-Bunu Local Government Area, where armed men reportedly killed one resident and abducted more than 25 people during a raid carried out in the early hours of the day.

He also mentioned the killing of two police officers in Anambra State following an attack by armed men.

“We still remember the painful incident in which armed individuals targeted three schools—Community Grammar School, Yawota Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School in the Ahoro-Esinle Community (Oriire Local Government Area near Ogbomoso)—and kidnapped 46 people, including 39 students, seven teachers, and the school principal.

“On the same day, between 48 and 51 pupils and students in the Mussa Community (Askira-Uba Local Government Area) were abducted by suspected Boko Haram insurgents. The victims, who included young children from nursery classes as well as primary and secondary school students, were taken on May 15, 2026, and have now remained in captivity for two weeks.

“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.

“In a nation that is not at war, the ongoing insecurity that endangers schoolchildren signifies a profound and serious challenge”, he wrote.