The presidential Candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general election, Peter Obi has decried the worsening security situation in the country.
Obi in a statement issued Thursday said it was unacceptable that Nigerian children would not be allowed to learn in a secure environment because of criminals.
Writing on the X handle platform charged relevant authorities to put no stone unturned and ensure that children go to school and learn in a conducive atmosphere.
He said: “Just yesterday, I was lamenting the horrible spate of killings, terror attacks, and abductions in the country, while calling for more concerted efforts to combat the menace.
“We are again confronted with the ugly news of the abduction of over 200 pupils and students plus a teacher of local primary and junior secondary schools in Kuriga, Chikun Local Government area of Kaduna State.”
Obi stressed that while every effort should be directed towards the safe release of the children, better security measures need to be implemented to avoid future occurrences.
He added: “Insecurity has continued to bear down on every sector of our national existence, its negative impact on education will be more devastating for the nation.
“We are already contending with an army of over 18 million out-of-school children, arising from the closure of schools due to insecurity. Further attacks on schools will only aggravate these numbers, drive more children into the streets, and add to the insecurity situation of the country.”
Obi therefore appealed to the government, both state and federal, to explore all possible means to ensure the safe release of the abducted school children.