Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) for the 2027 election Peter Obi has appealed to kidnappers holding schoolchildren and their teachers for more than two weeks to release them.
Mr Obi made the appeal in a post on X on Wednesday, expressing concern over reports and images showing the condition of the victims.
“I am deeply shocked and heartbroken by the condition in which these abducted school children are, as seen from their flagellated bodies. It is a painful reminder of the depth of insecurity in our land,” he wrote.
The former Anambra State governor said he had often warned that failures in governance and society could have consequences for future generations.
“I have always made it clear that the society we abuse today will take its revenge on our children tomorrow,” he said.
Obi also linked his concerns to the growing debt burden in the country, arguing that decisions made by leaders today could affect future generations.
Addressing the abductors directly, he urged them to consider the impact of their actions on the children and their families.
“To those holding these children, I make a direct appeal to your conscience. Remember that these are innocent children – sons and daughters of people who have placed their hopes, dreams, and entire future in them,” he said.
He added that no grievance or hardship could justify harming children and called on the kidnappers to release them immediately.
“Let them go. Return them safely to society to reunite with their families,” Peter Obi said.
