Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has raised alarm over the ongoing abduction of schoolchildren in Nigeria, describing the situation as deeply troubling amid repeated attacks across the country.
Recent incidents reportedly saw at least 82 pupils kidnapped within a three-day span between May 13 and May 15, 2026, following coordinated assaults in Borno and Oyo states.
In Borno State, 42 schoolchildren were taken on May 13 and 14 after armed groups invaded schools in Askira Uba and Chibok Local Government Areas. In a separate incident on May 15, 40 pupils were abducted when gunmen stormed communities in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
The Oyo attack also left several casualties in its wake, including the beheading of mathematics teacher Michael Oyedokun. A motorcyclist was killed during the assault, while a security operative died after encountering improvised explosive devices planted by the attackers during initial rescue efforts.
In a statement released on Wednesday to mark the 2026 Children’s Day celebration, Obi said that although he extended greetings to Nigerian children, he remained saddened by the continued captivity of many of them.
“After congratulating Nigerian children as they celebrate their day today, my heart remains heavy and troubled, knowing that some Nigerian children have remained in captivity for years.
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“It is a shame that days, weeks, months, and even years have passed while our children continue to languish in kidnappers’ dens,” Obi said
He argued that the persistent inability to safeguard children from criminal attacks reflects negatively on the country’s global image.
“A nation that cannot protect its children from criminals has little but shame to present to the global community,” he stated.
Obi further stressed that no parent should endure the agony of having their children taken away, warning against normalising the continued suffering of abducted pupils and students.
“No parent can bear the shame of being unable to protect his or her children, yet here we are as a nation, moving on while our children continue to suffer in forests and captivity for years,” he added.