Presidential candidate Peter Obi has issued a strong statement condemning the abduction of a school principal, a NECO invigilator, and several students from Government Secondary School, Opada-Olowa, in Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State.
Obi described the incident as “heartbreaking and deeply troubling”, stressing that schools must never become “theatres of fear.”
He emphasized that the attack highlights Nigeria’s worsening insecurity and the urgent need for decisive government action.
Here are some key points from Obi’s statement:
Education as a priority:
Obi, said education is a priority. He reiterated that education is central to nation-building, and Nigeria’s future is at risk if children cannot learn safely.
Call to action:
He urged security agencies to act swiftly to rescue the victims and dismantle criminal networks targeting schools.
National shame:
He noted that repeated abductions of schoolchildren damage Nigeria’s global reputation and erode public confidence in governance.
Community impact:
Obi expressed solidarity with the families of the victims, acknowledging the trauma communities face when schools become unsafe.
Moreover, The Kogi abduction adds to a growing list of school-related kidnappings across Nigeria, from Chibok to Kaduna, Zamfara, and Niger State.
Analysts warn that the persistence of such attacks undermines Nigeria’s human capital development and discourages investment in rural education.
Civil society groups have called for the implementation of the Safe Schools Declaration, a UN-backed framework Nigeria signed in 2015 but has struggled to enforce.
Implications:
Obi’s intervention positions him as a vocal advocate for education and security reform.
His remarks resonate with parents, teachers, and communities who feel abandoned by the state.
The incident also intensifies pressure on the federal government to prioritize school safety in its counter-terrorism strategy.
See our ➡️ Editorial Analysis under the Editorial section for deeper context.
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