GBI&I Media News Blog

The abduction in Kogi State is not just another tragic headline; it is a stark reminder of Nigeria’s ongoing struggle to secure its schools and protect its future.  Peter Obi’s condemnation of the incident goes beyond sympathy. It frames education as the cornerstone of national survival.   Having a closer look at the historical pattern of attacks on schools, from Chibok in 2014 to Kaduna and Zamfara in recent years, Nigeria has witnessed repeated school kidnappings.  Each incident erodes public trust in government and weakens the nation’s human capital.   Examining the policy gap, despite Nigeria signing the Safe Schools Declaration in 2015, implementation has been inconsistent.  Schools in rural areas remain vulnerable, with inadequate fencing, surveillance, and rapid response systems.   Politically, Obi’s statement aligns with his broader campaign narrative.  His advocacy of prioritizing education, governance reform, and se...

  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 confid...