Mr. Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has appealed to the kidnappers of pupils and teachers in Oyo State to release them.
He made the passionate appeal in a statement on Wednesday.
The former governor of Anambra State, who expressed deep shocked over the condition of the abducted school children, noted that it is a painful reminder of the depth of insecurity in the country.
Obi argued that the current security situation in Nigeria is a classic example of how the abuse of governance and society today can produce devastating consequences long after the abusers are gone.
He said: “Please release these children for the sake of our shared humanity
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.
“I have always made it clear that the society we abuse today will take its revenge on our children tomorrow. When I first began making that statement, some of these children were not even born. This is a classic example of how the abuse of governance and society today can produce devastating consequences long after the abusers are gone.
“It is on the same line that I argue that the loans our leaders take today will hurt our children in the future, as many of them will mature for repayment and consequences long after we are gone.
“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. In every one of them, you will find reflections of your own children, your own family, and your own humanity.
“No grievance, no hardship, no justification can ever outweigh the sanctity of a child’s life and innocence. Whatever path has led to this moment, there is still room for remorse, for humanity, and for a change of heart.
“I therefore appeal to your sense of mercy: release these children immediately. Let them go. Return them safely to society to reunite with their families”.
