Insecurity: We are consumed by 2027 politics, ignoring safety of children, citizens — Obi

Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, has voiced alarm over Nigeria’s escalating security crisis, arguing that political leaders are prioritising the 2027 elections over the safety of citizens.

In a statement shared on his social media account on Tuesday, Obi criticised the continued captivity of schoolchildren abducted in Borno and Oyo states, noting that two weeks after their kidnapping, the victims had not yet been released.

He observed that while the children remain in the hands of their captors, government focus appears to be on announcing the formation of a rescue team rather than securing their immediate release.

The former Anambra State governor cited a series of recent attacks across the country as evidence of the deteriorating security situation.

He recalled the killing of at least seven people and the injury of 10 others by terrorists in Gwon‑Ajang Village, Foron District, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, Plateau State, on Sunday.

Obi also referenced the attack on Ayegunle‑Igun Community, Kaba‑Bunu Local Government Area, Kogi State, where armed assailants reportedly kidnapped more than 25 people and killed one resident during a coordinated raid.

In Anambra State, he noted that two police officers lost their lives in a recent attack by armed criminals.

The former presidential candidate further highlighted the abduction of 46 people, including 39 students, seven teachers and a school principal, from three schools in the Ahoro‑Esinle Community, Oriire Local Government Area, near Ogbomoso, Oyo State.

He also recalled the kidnapping of between 48 and 51 pupils and students in the Mussa Community, Askira‑Uba Local Government Area, Borno State, by suspected Boko Haram insurgents on 15 May 2026.

According to Obi, the victims, comprising nursery, primary and secondary school pupils, have remained in captivity for two weeks.

“Meanwhile, amid all these tragic developments, we politicians remain consumed by the next election, paying far more attention to political ambitions than to the safety and well‑being of our children and fellow citizens,” he said.

Obi described the persistent attacks on schools and communities as a grave national concern, stressing that such incidents should not be occurring in a country that is not officially at war.

He called for urgent and decisive action to address insecurity and protect citizens, particularly children, from the growing threat posed by kidnappers, terrorists and other criminal elements.

The post *Insecurity: We are consumed by 2027 politics, ignoring safety of children, citizens — Obi* appeared first on Vanguard News.