Children’s Day Offers Little Joy While Students Languish in Captivity — Peter Obi

Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has expressed deep concern over the continued abduction of schoolchildren across Nigeria, saying Children’s Day celebrations bring little joy amid ongoing insecurity.

Obi’s comments come amid reports that at least 82 schoolchildren were abducted between May 13 and 15, 2026, in separate attacks in Borno and Oyo states.

According to reports, 42 pupils were kidnapped in Borno State during attacks on schools in Askira Uba and Chibok LGAs, while 40 more children were abducted in Oriire LGA of Oyo State.

During the Oyo incident, armed attackers reportedly killed a mathematics teacher, a motorcyclist, and a security operative who died after encountering an improvised explosive device planted by the abductors.

In a statement marking the 2026 Children’s Day, Obi said his heart remained “heavy and troubled,” noting that many abducted children continue to remain in captivity.

“It is a shame that days, weeks, months, and even years have passed while our children continue to languish in kidnappers’ dens,” he said.

Obi argued that a nation unable to protect its children from criminals risks losing moral standing globally, stressing that the situation reflects deep governance and security failures.

“A nation that cannot protect its children from criminals has little but shame to present to the global community,” he stated.

He added that no parent should endure the pain of having their children taken and held in captivity, warning against normalising repeated abductions.

“No parent can bear the shame of being unable to protect his or her children… yet here we are as a nation,” he said.