Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has expressed relief over the safe rescue of the pupils and teachers abducted in Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State, describing their return as “worthy of thanksgiving.”
In a post shared on X on Saturday, Obi thanked security personnel and everyone involved in the operation that led to the victims’ rescue.
“I am greatly relieved and delighted to learn of the safe rescue of the schoolchildren who were kidnapped. I sincerely thank all those whose tireless efforts made their freedom possible, especially the security personnel and everyone who worked behind the scenes,” he wrote.
While celebrating the successful rescue, Obi stressed that the incident highlights the need for stronger security measures across the country, particularly to protect schools and children.
“No child should ever have to endure such trauma,” he said, adding that the recurring cases of kidnapping, especially involving schoolchildren, underscore “the urgent need to strengthen our security architecture and make the protection of lives and property the foremost responsibility of government.”
The former Anambra State governor also called for renewed efforts to ensure that children can pursue their education without fear of violence or abduction.
“Our children deserve to learn in an atmosphere of safety, not fear. We must continue to work towards building a Nigeria where every child can pursue education without the threat of violence or abduction,” Obi stated.
He concluded by congratulating the rescued children, their families, their schools, and Nigerians on what he described as a heartening development.
“I rejoice with the children, their families, their schools, and all Nigerians on this heartening development,” he added.