Obi Warns Politicians Ignoring Security as Schoolchildren Remain Captive
Presidential candidate Peter Obi of the Nigeria Democratic Congress said on June 2 that politicians are obsessed with the next election while schoolchildren abducted in Borno and Oyo states on May 15 remain in captivity after two weeks. He cited deadly attacks in Plateau State’s Barkin Ladi LGA where seven people were killed and ten injured in Gwon-Ajang village, in Kogi State’s Ayegunle-Igun Community where over twenty‑five persons were abducted and one resident killed, and in Anambra State where two police officers were killed. Obi warned that the continued violence shows the country’s security challenges are being sidelined by political ambition.
This matters because families across the north‑central and southeast live with fear of kidnapping and attacks, disrupting schooling, farming and daily commutes. When leaders prioritize campaigns over protecting citizens, trust erodes and insecurity can spread, affecting livelihoods and prompting more people to consider leaving the country (japa). The situation also raises questions about the effectiveness of security agencies despite ongoing operations.
Readers should stay informed through credible security alerts, avoid high‑risk areas when possible, support community vigilance groups, and demand clear security plans from political candidates. In the coming elections, vote for leaders who present concrete, funded strategies to end kidnappings and protect schools and communities.