Obi begs bandits to release abducted schoolchildren

From Sola Ojo, Abuja

Presidential candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr. Peter Obi, has expressed shock and sadness over the condition of abducted schoolchildren, urging their captors to release them immediately.

Obi on his verified ‘X’ handle yesterday said he was “deeply shocked and heartbroken” by images showing the children’s flagellated bodies, describing them as a painful reflection of the worsening insecurity in the country.

“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.”

The former Anambra State governor lamented what he described as the long-term consequences of poor governance and societal neglect, arguing that today’s failures often become tomorrow’s tragedies.

“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,” Obi stated.

Drawing a parallel with Nigeria’s rising debt burden, he warned that decisions taken by current leaders would have far-reaching consequences for future generations.

“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,” he added.

Addressing the abductors directly, Obi appealed to their conscience, stressing that the victims were innocent children whose families had invested their hopes and aspirations in them.

“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.”

He maintained that no circumstance could justify the suffering of children and urged the captors to embrace compassion.

“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,” he appealed.