ABUJA, NIGERIA – Former presidential candidate and Labour Party figure, Peter Obi, has expressed deep concern over the continued captivity of abducted schoolchildren in Nigeria, saying that Children’s Day celebrations bring little or no joy while many students remain in the hands of kidnappers across the country.
Obi lamented that instead of nationwide celebration marked by happiness and reflection on the future of Nigerian children, the reality is overshadowed by the pain of families whose children are still missing after abductions in different parts of the country.
He stressed that the ongoing insecurity affecting schools and students continues to raise serious questions about the safety of children and the effectiveness of government efforts to protect educational institutions.
Concerns Over Abduction Of Schoolchildren
The former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, said it was heartbreaking that many parents are still living in anguish while awaiting the return of their abducted children.
He noted that Children’s Day, which should ordinarily symbolize hope, joy, and national commitment to child welfare, has instead become a painful reminder of the country’s unresolved security crisis.
Obi expressed concern that repeated incidents of school abductions are having a devastating emotional and psychological impact not only on victims and their families but also on the broader society.
Call For Stronger Government Action
He urged the Federal Government and security agencies to take more decisive and urgent steps to secure schools and ensure that no child is left vulnerable to kidnapping or violence while pursuing education.
According to him, protecting children must be treated as a national emergency, as the continuous targeting of schools undermines public confidence in the education system.
Obi also emphasized that no meaningful national development can be achieved if children, who represent the future of the country, are not safe in their learning environments.
Impact On Education And National Future
He warned that persistent insecurity around schools could discourage school attendance, increase dropout rates, and negatively affect the long-term development of human capital in Nigeria.
Obi added that the fear of abduction is gradually eroding trust in the education system, especially in rural and high-risk areas where parents are increasingly hesitant to send their children to school.
He further noted that the psychological trauma experienced by affected children and families may have lasting consequences if urgent interventions are not implemented.
Looking Ahead
The former presidential candidate called on leaders at all levels to prioritize the safety of children and ensure that schools are adequately protected against attacks.
He urged security agencies, policymakers, and community leaders to work together in developing stronger preventive strategies that will eliminate threats to educational institutions.
Obi concluded that Children’s Day should be a moment of hope and celebration, not sorrow and fear, stressing that Nigeria must do more to guarantee a safe and secure future for its children.
