ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has raised alarm over what he described as the growing neglect of Nigeria’s worsening insecurity, accusing political leaders of shifting attention to the 2027 elections while citizens continue to suffer attacks and abductions.
In a statement posted on his social media page on Tuesday, Obi said it was troubling that schoolchildren abducted in parts of Borno and Oyo States had remained in captivity for about two weeks without being rescued.
He expressed concern that instead of focusing on securing the immediate release of victims, public discourse appeared to be more centred on political preparations and the formation of committees.
Obi also referenced a series of violent incidents across the country to underscore the depth of the security crisis.
He recalled the killing of at least seven people and the injury of 10 others during an attack by suspected terrorists on Gwon-Ajang Village in Foron District, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.
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The former Anambra State governor also cited the assault on Ayegunle-Igun Community in Kogi State, where armed attackers reportedly killed one resident and abducted more than 25 others in a coordinated raid.
In Anambra State, he noted that two police officers were killed in an attack carried out by armed criminals.
Obi further highlighted the abduction of dozens of students and school staff in Oyo State, stating that 46 persons including 39 students, seven teachers and a school principal were taken during the attack in Oriire Local Government Area near Ogbomoso.
He also referenced the kidnapping of between 48 and 51 pupils in Mussa Community, Askira-Uba Local Government Area of Borno State, allegedly carried out by suspected Boko Haram insurgents on May 15, 2026.
According to him, the victims comprising nursery, primary and secondary school pupils have 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,” he stated.
Obi described the continued attacks on schools and communities as a serious national emergency, stressing that such levels of violence should not persist in a country not officially at war.
He called for urgent, decisive and coordinated action to curb insecurity and ensure the safe release of abducted citizens, especially children who remain vulnerable to repeated attacks across the country.