Presidential candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has expressed deep anguish over the condition of abducted schoolchildren seen in recent images, describing their battered and bruised bodies as a heartbreaking reflection of Nigeria’s worsening security crisis.
In a statement on Wednesday, Obi said the disturbing images serve as a painful reminder of the consequences of years of poor governance and societal neglect.
“I am deeply shocked and heartbroken by the condition in which these abducted schoolchildren are, as seen from their flagellated bodies. It is a painful reminder of the depth of insecurity in our land,” he said.
Obi reiterated his long-held warning that the failures of today’s leaders would ultimately be borne by future generations.
“I have always maintained that the society we abuse today will take its revenge on our children tomorrow. When I first made that statement, some of these children were not even born. What we are witnessing today is a tragic example of how the abuse of governance and society can produce devastating consequences long after the perpetrators are gone,” he stated.
Drawing a parallel with Nigeria’s growing debt burden, Obi warned that decisions taken today would continue to affect generations yet unborn.
“It is the same reason I have consistently argued that the loans our leaders take today will hurt our children tomorrow, as many of them will face the burden of repayment and the consequences long after we are gone,” he added.
The former Anambra State governor also made a passionate appeal to the abductors, urging them to release the children and allow them return safely to their families.
“To those holding these children, I appeal to your conscience. These are innocent sons and daughters whose families have invested their hopes, dreams, and future in them. In each child, you should see your own children, your own family, and your own humanity,” Obi said.
He stressed that no grievance or hardship could justify the suffering of innocent children.
“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, humanity, and a change of heart.
“I therefore appeal to your sense of mercy: release these children immediately. Let them go. Return them safely to society and reunite them with their families.”
