The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has condemned the abduction of a school principal, students, and a National Examinations Council (NECO) official from Government Secondary School, Olowa, in Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State.
Obi described the incident as "heartbreaking and deeply troubling," warning that the growing insecurity across Nigeria is threatening the nation's education system and the future of its children.
The attack occurred on Tuesday when armed gunmen reportedly invaded the school while students were writing the ongoing NECO examination. The assailants abducted the school's principal, four students, and a NECO ad hoc official before fleeing the scene.
Reacting in a statement shared on his 𝕏 account on Wednesday, the former Anambra State governor lamented that educational institutions, which should represent hope and opportunity, have become targets of violent attacks.
According to Obi, the latest abduction highlights the worsening security situation in the country.
"The news of the abduction of a school principal, students, and a NECO official in Kogi State while the students were writing their examination is both heartbreaking and deeply troubling. That innocent children can no longer go to school, study, or sit for a national examination without the fear of criminal violence is a stark reminder of how far insecurity has eroded the sanctity of our educational institutions and the safety of our citizens."
He stressed that education remains Nigeria's most valuable asset for national development and warned against allowing schools to become places of fear.
"Our schools must never become theatres of fear; they should symbolise hope and the promise of a better future, not terror and uncertainty."
Obi also called on security agencies to act swiftly to rescue all those kidnapped, urging the Federal Government and state authorities to strengthen security around schools across the country.
He further expressed solidarity with the affected families and the people of Kogi State, insisting that Nigeria cannot continue to accept repeated attacks on schools as normal.
"I call on the relevant security agencies to act with urgency, deploy every available resource, and ensure the safe and unconditional rescue of all those abducted. Government at all levels must take deliberate steps to strengthen security around our schools and restore public confidence in our education system."
Obi concluded by saying that a nation that cannot guarantee the safety of its children is putting its future at risk, reiterating his campaign slogan:
"A New Nigeria is POssible."