By Our Correspondent

National News – Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has lamented the continued abduction of Nigerian schoolchildren, saying the 2026 Children’s Day celebration offers little hope while many pupils remain in captivity across the country.

Obi made the statement on Wednesday during the nationwide Children’s Day commemoration, expressing concern over the growing insecurity affecting schools and communities in Nigeria.

The former Anambra State governor spoke after recent attacks in Borno and Oyo states led to the abduction of at least 82 students between May 13 and May 15, 2026.

According to reports, 42 pupils were kidnapped after armed groups attacked schools in Askira Uba and Chibok Local Government Areas of Borno State.

In a separate incident in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, another 40 schoolchildren were abducted by gunmen.

During the Oyo attack, a mathematics teacher identified as Michael Oyedokun was reportedly beheaded, while a motorcyclist and a security operative also lost their lives during rescue operations after explosives planted by the attackers detonated.

Reacting to the incidents, Obi said it was shameful that several Nigerian children had remained in kidnappers’ camps for months and years without rescue.

He noted that a country unable to protect its children from criminal groups risks losing global respect and moral credibility.

Obi stressed that no parent should experience the pain of watching their children suffer in captivity while the nation moves on with celebrations and political activities.

He called on authorities to intensify efforts toward securing schools, rescuing abducted pupils, and restoring public confidence in the nation’s security system.

The former presidential candidate further urged the Federal Government and security agencies to prioritise the safety of children, especially in vulnerable communities frequently targeted by criminal gangs and insurgents.