Rising concerns over school abductions in Nigeria have drawn fresh criticism from the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, who says the country is becoming desensitised to insecurity that once triggered nationwide outrage and global attention.
In a statement posted on his official X handle, Obi recalled the 2014 Chibok schoolgirls’ abduction, describing it as a defining moment that triggered the global #BringBackOurGirls campaign.
He said that while a single abduction once sparked nationwide outrage, repeated school kidnappings in recent years have failed to generate similar public or international response.
Obi noted that Nigeria has recorded a growing number of school abductions over successive administrations, questioning what he described as the nation’s growing acceptance of insecurity.
He also criticised what he called a shift in focus by political leaders toward elections and political calculations, rather than addressing insecurity, poverty, and hardship affecting citizens.
According to him, persistent insecurity and governance challenges have damaged Nigeria’s international image, although he stressed that the country should not be defined solely by its current difficulties.
Obi urged leaders to prioritise competent and accountable governance, while calling on young Nigerians to remain engaged and resist normalising failure.
