Peter Obi Appeals to Abductors: “Release These Children for the Sake of Our Shared Humanity”

Former Labour Party presidential candidate and ex-governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi, has made a direct appeal to bandits and terrorists holding kidnapped schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo, Borno, and other parts of Nigeria, urging them to release the victims immediately.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, Obi expressed deep shock and heartbreak over the condition of the abducted children, saying their flagellated bodies are a painful reminder of the worsening insecurity in the country.

“Please release these children for the sake of our shared humanity,” Obi said. “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.”

Obi lamented the long-term consequences of poor governance and societal neglect, noting that failures of today often become tragedies for tomorrow’s generation. He recalled his repeated warnings that the society abused today would take revenge on children in the future.

He also linked the security crisis to broader governance concerns, cautioning that loans taken by leaders today will burden future generations when repayment matures.

Addressing the abductors directly, Obi appealed to their conscience, reminding them that the children are innocent sons and daughters whose families have placed all their hopes and dreams in them. He argued that no grievance or hardship can justify harming innocent children.

“Whatever path has led to this moment, there is still room for remorse, for humanity, and for a change of heart,” Obi said. He urged the abductors to release the children immediately and allow them to return safely to their families.