ABUJA, Nigeria — The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, has expressed profound relief and joy over the successful rescue of the abducted Oyo State schoolchildren and their teachers, describing their safe return as an event worthy of national thanksgiving.
Obi shared his thoughts in a formal statement posted to his verified X account on Saturday, July 11, 2026. The opposition leader extended his sincere gratitude to the frontline security personnel, tactical teams, and all behind-the-scenes actors whose relentless efforts over the past weeks directly facilitated the unconditional freedom of the young hostages.
While celebrating the positive outcome for the affected households, Obi emphasized that the broader systemic issues surrounding national security must not be ignored. He noted that while the nation celebrates this happy outcome, citizens must remember that no child should ever have to endure the severe trauma of captivity. He argued that the recurring waves of mass abductions, particularly targeting educational institutions, highlight a critical and urgent need to radically fortify Nigeria's national security architecture.
The former governor maintained that safeguarding the lives and properties of the citizenry must remain the absolute foremost responsibility of any functional government. He stressed that children deserve to pursue their academic goals in an atmosphere defined by safety rather than fear, calling for a collective commitment to building a nation where learning is entirely decoupled from the threat of violence or sudden abduction. He concluded by rejoicing alongside the freed students, their families, their academic institutions, and the entire country on the heartening development.
