Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, has admitted that he and other politicians are “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”. His statement came on the heels of the kidnapped Oyo pupils and teachers held hostage by terrorists.

Mr Obi, in a statement on his Z page on Monday, expressed “concerns about deteriorating security,” abduction of schoolchildren in Oyo and Borno states, in the country.

“Two weeks have passed since schoolchildren were kidnapped in Borno and Oyo states, yet they remain in captivity. Meanwhile, the government is promoting the formation of a thousand-member rescue team through the media while the children continue to suffer in the wilderness,” Mr Obi said. “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.”

Highlighting some cases of killings and abductions in the country in recent weeks, Mr Obi said, “On Sunday, terrorists killed at least seven people and injured ten others in Gwon-Ajang Village, located in the Foron District of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau state. In Kogi State, armed assailants kidnapped over 25 individuals and killed one resident during a coordinated raid on the Ayegunle-Igun Community in Kaba-Bunu Local Government Area.”

Mr Obi, who emerged as the NDC presidential candidate over the weekend, said, “The ongoing insecurity that endangers schoolchildren signifies a profound and serious challenge. Between 48 and 51 pupils and students in the Mussa Community (Askira-Uba Local Government Area) were abducted by suspected Boko Haram insurgents. The victims, who included young children from nursery classes as well as primary and secondary school students, were taken on May 15, 2026, and have now remained in captivity for two weeks.”

Two weeks after terrorists raided Esinele and Yawota communities in Orire council area and kidnapped 46 schoolchildren and teachers on May 15, President Bola Tinubu sent a delegation led by his chief of staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, to visit families of the abducted schoolchildren and teachers.