Obi: I Would Have Gone Into Forest to Rescue Abducted Oyo Pupils, Teachers If I Were President

By George Omagbemi Sylvester

The 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has criticised the Federal Government’s handling of insecurity, saying he would have taken more direct action to rescue abducted pupils and teachers in Oyo State if he were President.

Obi made the remark while reacting to the abduction of pupils and teachers from a school in Oyo State, amid growing concerns over the safety of students and educators across the country.

The former Anambra State governor said the government must demonstrate stronger political will in confronting kidnappers and other criminal groups responsible for attacks on schools and communities.

He argued that the protection of citizens, particularly children, should remain the government’s foremost responsibility.

Obi maintained that security agencies must be adequately equipped and supported to conduct effective rescue operations, while intelligence gathering should be strengthened to prevent criminals from operating with impunity.

He also called for greater accountability in the management of national resources, arguing that substantial public funds should translate into improved security, infrastructure and social services.

The former presidential candidate’s comments come amid renewed public debate over Nigeria’s worsening insecurity, with citizens demanding urgent action to protect schools and communities from kidnappers and other armed groups.