The 2027 presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Party (NDP), Mr. Peter Obi, has made a passionate appeal to the abductors of a group of school children, urging them to release the victims immediately and allow them return safely to their families.
In a statement posted on his verified Facebook page on Wednesday afternoon, Obi expressed shock and sadness over the condition of the children, particularly after images emerged showing signs of physical abuse on their bodies.
Describing the development as a painful reflection of the worsening insecurity across the country, Obi lamented that innocent children had become victims of a crisis that continues to threaten the nation’s future.
The former presidential candidate of the Labour Party said the plight of the children further reinforced his long-held warning that the failures of governance and society today would eventually have devastating consequences for future generations.
According to him, the tragedy serves as a reminder that the abuse of public trust and institutions often produces consequences that endure long after those responsible have left the scene.
Obi noted that he had consistently cautioned against policies and actions that mortgage the future of young Nigerians, stressing that the burden of today’s mistakes would ultimately be borne by children and generations yet unborn.
Making a direct appeal to the abductors, Obi urged them to reflect on their conscience and remember that the victims were innocent children whose parents and families had invested their hopes, dreams and aspirations in them.
He said that regardless of any grievances or hardships, nothing could justify inflicting suffering on innocent children, adding that every child deserved protection, care and the opportunity to pursue a better future.
Obi further appealed to the abductors to embrace compassion and humanity by releasing the children without delay.
“Whatever path has led to this moment, there is still room for remorse, for humanity, and for a change of heart,” he said.
Obi concluded by urging the kidnappers to return the children safely to society and reunite them with their families, describing such an action as a demonstration of mercy and shared humanity.
The full statement reads:
Please release these children for the sake of our shared humanity
I am deeply shocked and heartbroken by the condition in which these abducted school children are, as seen from their flagellated bodies. It is a painful reminder of the depth of insecurity in our land.
I have always made it clear that the society we abuse today will take its revenge on our children tomorrow. When I first began making that statement, some of these children were not even born. This is a classic example of how the abuse of governance and society today can produce devastating consequences long after the abusers are gone.
It is on the same line that I argue that the loans our leaders take today will hurt our children in the future, as many of them will mature for repayment and consequences long after we are gone.
To those holding these children, I make a direct appeal to your conscience. Remember that these are innocent children – sons and daughters of people who have placed their hopes, dreams, and entire future in them. In every one of them, you will find reflections of your own children, your own family, and your own humanity.
No grievance, no hardship, no justification can ever outweigh the sanctity of a child’s life and innocence. Whatever path has led to this moment, there is still room for remorse, for humanity, and for a change of heart.
I therefore appeal to your sense of mercy: release these children immediately. Let them go. Return them safely to society to reunite with their families.
PO
, Mr. Peter Obi, has made a passionate appeal to the abductors of a group of school children, urging them to release the victims immediately and allow them return safely to their families.){kind=link}