The 2023 presidential candidate of the Nigeria’s opposition Labor Party (LP), Peter Obi, has expressed deep concern regarding the abduction of female students from the Federal University of Gusau in Sabon-Gida, Bungudu Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
He has brought attention to the broader issue of insecurity in Nigeria and commended the security agencies for their efforts in rescuing some of the students.
However, he has called for more rigorous measures to ensure the safe return of those who are still in captivity, emphasizing the detrimental impact of such incidents on education in a country with a significant number of out-of-school children.
Obi has stressed the government’s responsibility to protect lives and property and extended his sympathy to the victims and their families.
He has called for national unity in the battle against insecurity and emphasized that a safe and prosperous Nigeria is an attainable objective.
These remarks were made in a statement issued to the press and made available to THE SPECTACLES on Tuesday.
The statement read in part; “The report of the unfortunate abduction of some female students of the Federal University of Gusau from their hostels at Sabon-Gida community in the Bungudu Local Government Area of Zamfara State is very disturbing.
This act remains condemnable, and the incident brings to bear once again, the national challenge of insecurity which has continued to threaten our national peace and development. While I commend the security agencies for rescuing some of the abducted students already, I urge them to make more stringent efforts to ensure that the remaining students are rescued unhurt. This, and many other attacks on students, is an attack on education in a country where over 18 million out-of-school children are already roaming the streets.
Attacks like this will only impact negatively on the education system, forcing more students out of school. The government, therefore, owes the nation a duty to deliver its primary duty of securing lives and properties, which is the first step towards national development.
I sympathize with the victims of this unfortunate incident. I share the agony of their parents and relations in this trying moment. I pray that they will be rescued and reunited with their families and loved ones.
We must as a nation resist any attempt to allow criminals to make the rules by which we live as a national community. And we should not allow bandits and criminals to destroy our nation.
Combating insecurity remains the priority in the New Nigeria of my dream because I strongly believe that a safe and secure Nigeria is indeed possible”.
