AWKA, Nigeria — Former presidential candidate Peter Obi has criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over the abduction of schoolchildren in Oyo State, describing the incident as a “national tragedy” and faulting the Federal Government’s response.
In a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Information, Dr. Valentine Obienyem, Obi accused the administration of showing a lack of urgency and empathy amid worsening insecurity across the country.
“The abduction of schoolchildren in Oyo State is not just a state issue; it is a national tragedy,” Obi said, expressing concern that more than 50 days after the incident, there has been no significant progress in securing the victims’ release.
Obi disclosed that he had personally reached out to Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde on multiple occasions, including a visit on July 3 alongside Prof. Pat Utomi, to express solidarity and discuss security measures.
He said he was “shocked” to learn that President Tinubu had not contacted the governor regarding the incident weeks after it occurred.
“I was surprised to learn that the President has not placed a single call to the governor over this abduction,” Obi stated.
Drawing comparisons with the 2014 Chibok schoolgirls kidnapping, Obi noted that although former President Goodluck Jonathan faced criticism for delays in response, engagement with state authorities still occurred within weeks.
He argued that the current situation reflects deeper governance challenges, warning that “uncompassionate leadership” could fuel public frustration and instability.
Obi further criticised what he described as a pattern of leadership failure, citing repeated school abductions and broader insecurity concerns.
He maintained that the Federal Government must demonstrate stronger capacity, responsiveness and empathy in addressing security threats, while urging decisive action to secure the release of the abducted children.
The Oyo school abduction is one of several recent kidnapping incidents across Nigeria, highlighting persistent security challenges in parts of the country.
