Peter Obi Warns Against Normalising Insecurity, School Abductions in Nigeria

Former presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, has urged Nigerians not to become desensitised to insecurity, school abductions, and other violent crimes across the country.

In a statement issued on Thursday, Obi expressed concern over what he described as the growing acceptance of insecurity, comparing the nationwide reaction to the 2014 Chibok schoolgirls abduction with responses to more recent mass kidnappings.

He noted that the Chibok incident sparked widespread outrage, attracted global attention, and gave rise to the #BringBackOurGirls campaign, which placed significant pressure on the government at the time.

According to Obi, Nigeria has witnessed numerous school abductions since then, including about 10 incidents during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari and more than 10 others under President Bola Tinubu. He lamented that these incidents have not generated the same level of public outrage or international attention.

The former governor questioned whether Nigerians have become so accustomed to insecurity that events which once shocked the nation’s conscience are now being treated as normal.

Obi also criticised political leaders for focusing on electoral calculations while many citizens continue to face insecurity, poverty, and economic hardship. He argued that addressing the welfare and security of Nigerians should take priority over political manoeuvring.

He added that the country’s challenges have negatively affected Nigeria’s image abroad and stressed the need for leadership that is competent, compassionate, accountable, and committed to the wellbeing of citizens.

Calling on young Nigerians to remain engaged, Obi urged them not to accept failure as normal, insisting that a better Nigeria remains achievable.

His remarks come amid renewed concerns over insecurity following the recent abduction of a school principal and several students in Ahoro-Esinle community, Oriire Local Government Area, as well as a recent attack on travellers along the Ibadan-Ijebu road that resulted in one death during a failed kidnap attempt.