Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), has called on the Tinubu-led Federal Government to ensure the release of the abducted students and teachers in Kaduna State.
Recall that bandits, on Thursday, attacked the Government Secondary School and LEA primary school in Kuriga, Kaduna State, whisking away no fewer than 280 students, pupils and teachers.
It was learned that the assailants reportedly shot at their victims before taking away the students and educators from both schools.
In a post via his official X handle on Friday, Obi lamented the abduction of the students and their teachers from their schools.
The former Governor of Anambra State said every effort should be directed towards the safe release of the children, and better security measures need to be implemented to avoid future occurrences.
Obi appealed to the state and federal governments to explore all possible means to ensure the safe release of the abducted school children and their teachers.
He wrote: “Just yesterday, I was lamenting the horrible spate of killings, terror attacks, and abductions in the country while calling for more concerted efforts to combat the continuing menace of nationwide insecurity.
“We are again confronted with the ugly news of the abduction of over 200 pupils and students plus a teacher of local primary and junior secondary schools in Kuriga, Chikun Local Government area of Kaduna State.
“While every effort should be directed towards the safe release of the children, better security measures need to be implemented to avoid future occurrences. While insecurity has continued to bear down on every sector of our national existence, its negative impact on education will be more devastating for the nation.
“We are already contending with an army of over 18 million out-of-school children, arising from the closure of schools due to insecurity. Further attacks on schools will only aggravate these numbers, drive more children into the streets, and add to the insecurity situation of the country.
“I once again appeal to the government, both state and federal, to explore all possible means to ensure the safe release of the abducted school children and their teachers.
“I urge every Nigerian to continue to work and pray for the nation so that we can collectively conquer these unusual challenges.
“We must ensure that every Nigerian child can pursue their dreams and aspirations in a safe and secure nation. This is our duty in the New Nigeria which is POssible.”
