By: Odeh Favour Adiya
Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has expressed concern over the growing wave of school abductions across Nigeria, describing the continued captivity of pupils as a national disgrace.
Obi’s reaction followed recent attacks in Borno State and Oyo State, where at least 82 schoolchildren were reportedly abducted by armed groups between May 13 and 15, 2026.
According to reports, the attacks began in the Askira Uba and Chibok local government areas of Borno State, where gunmen stormed schools and abducted 42 pupils before fleeing into nearby forests.
Less than 24 hours later, another attack occurred in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, where an additional 40 schoolchildren were reportedly kidnapped by armed assailants.
The Oyo attack also claimed lives, including that of a mathematics teacher identified as Michael Oyedokun, who was reportedly beheaded by the attackers. A motorcyclist and a security operative were also killed after encountering improvised explosive devices allegedly planted by the gunmen to hinder rescue efforts.
In a statement released on Wednesday to commemorate Children’s Day, Obi said the recurring attacks on schoolchildren remained deeply disturbing despite the celebrations taking place across the country.
The former governor lamented that many parents continue to endure the pain of seeing images of their missing children circulate online while waiting helplessly for their return.
According to him, it was shameful that many Nigerian children had remained in kidnappers’ camps for days, months and, in some cases, years without rescue.
Obi stressed that the inability of the government to adequately protect children from criminal elements reflects poorly on the country’s image and national security structure.
He argued that any nation that cannot guarantee the safety of its children has little to be proud of before the international community.
The opposition leader also sympathised with families affected by the attacks, insisting that no parent should experience the trauma of losing a child to insecurity.
He further warned Nigerians against becoming desensitised to the continued suffering of schoolchildren held captive by kidnappers across the country.
