Former Anambra State Governor and Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, has said he would have personally made efforts to rescue pupils and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State if he were President of Nigeria.
Obi made the remark while speaking during an interview, where he criticised the Federal Government’s response to the kidnapping and explaining the importance of decisive leadership during security emergencies.
According to Mr. Peter Obi, a president should be directly involved in addressing serious security challenges affecting the citizens, particularly when it comes to school children.
He stated that he would have gone to the forest where the victims were being held, insisting that every part of the country remains under the authority of the Nigerian government.
Obi was quoted as saying, “I’ll be there in two days. Is the bush not in Nigeria? Everybody in that bush will come out. There might be casualties, but everybody will come out.”
The former presidential candidate argued that swift and determined action from the nation’s leadership are essential in tackling insecurity across the country and restoring public confidence
The pupils and teachers were abducted in May 2026 while in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, resulting in widespread concern among residents and education stakeholders across the country.
After spending approximately 56 days in captivity, the victims were eventually rescued by security operatives in July, bringing an end to the prolonged ordeal and upholding public trust.
Mr. Peter Obi also criticised President Bola Tinubu’s handling of the incident, alleging that the President did not reach out to the Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde during the period the victims remained in captivity.
His comments have since generated reactions, with supporters and critics debating his views on leadership, crisis management, and the Federal Government’s approach to addressing security challenges in Nigeria.
