As Nigeria marks Children’s Day today, the Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 election, Mr. Peter Obi, has expressed deep sadness over the plight of school children and teachers currently held in captivity by bandits and kidnappers.
In a statement released on this occasion, Mr. Obi lamented that the day, which is meant to celebrate Nigerian children, offers little joy due to the ongoing insecurity crisis affecting education and the safety of young learners across the country.
“It is heartbreaking that while we celebrate Children’s Day, many students and their teachers are still languishing in captivity. This day offers little joy to their families and to all of us who care about the future of our nation,” Obi stated.
He condemned the repeated abduction of students from schools, describing it as a national emergency that demands urgent and decisive action from the government.
“Every child deserves to learn in safety. No child should wake up in fear or spend what should be their happiest years in the hands of criminals. The continued detention of these innocent students and teachers is unacceptable,” he added.
Mr. Obi called on the Federal Government and all relevant security agencies to intensify efforts toward the immediate and unconditional release of all abducted students and teachers. He also urged increased investment in school security and the protection of educational institutions, especially in vulnerable communities.
He further appealed to Nigerians to remember the families affected by these abductions in their prayers and to support efforts aimed at rescuing the victims and ending this cycle of insecurity.