Oyo, Borno abductions: Tinubu showing incapacity, lack of compassion – Peter Obi
Peter Obi Raises Alarm Over Kidnapped Schoolchildren in Nigeria
Peter Obi, the presidential candidate for the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has voiced deep concern regarding the prolonged captivity of schoolchildren abducted in Oyo and Borno states.
In a statement posted on his verified X account on Monday, Obi criticized President Bola Tinubu for what he described as a lack of compassion and effective leadership in addressing these incidents. He expressed alarm over the growing leadership crisis across the nation, emphasizing that the absence of empathetic governance is fostering public frustration and resentment.
Obi noted, “It is even more traumatizing when the leader presiding over that collapse demonstrates clear incapacity and a lack of compassion.” He remarked that the government and citizens of Oyo State, more than 50 days after the abduction, have reason to feel neglected in the absence of substantial efforts toward the children’s rescue.
Since the incident, Obi has publicly addressed the issue multiple times, including a direct appeal to the kidnappers for the release of the children. He has also communicated with the Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, to express his solidarity, acknowledging that this is a national issue, not just confined to Oyo.
On July 3, Obi traveled to Ibadan with Professor Pat Utomi to meet with Governor Makinde, reiterating his support and concern as the wait for the children’s rescue continued. He shared insights from his own experience in managing insecurity during his tenure as Governor of Anambra State, recalling how former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo, Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, and Goodluck Jonathan personally engaged state leaders during significant security challenges.
Obi expressed surprise that, contrary to his understanding, Governor Makinde had not received a single call from President Tinubu regarding the ongoing situation. He contrasted this with past crises, highlighting the attention given to high-profile cases such as the abduction of the Chibok girls.
Obi’s comments underscore the urgent need for action and communication from leadership in addressing the ongoing crisis of abductions in Nigeria.