The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, has condemned the abduction of about 20 prospective National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members who were travelling to their orientation camp, describing the incident as another sign of Nigeria’s worsening insecurity.
In a statement shared on X on Sunday, Obi called for the immediate and safe rescue of the abducted youths and the apprehension of those behind the incident.
He expressed concern that young Nigerians preparing to serve their country could no longer travel safely, leaving their families anxious about their wellbeing.
“The abduction of approximately 20 prospective NYSC members travelling to their orientation camp is yet another distressing indication of the worsening insecurity in our country,” Obi said.
The former Anambra State governor said the persistent incidents of kidnapping had subjected families to constant fear, maintaining that safeguarding lives and property remained the government’s foremost responsibility.
“These young Nigerians were preparing to serve their nation, but they were unable to travel safely on our roads. Families are increasingly burdened by the fear that their loved ones could fall victim to kidnapping,” he said.
Obi also criticised what he described as the growing acceptance of insecurity as normal, saying the government should adopt proactive measures to protect citizens instead of waiting to act after attacks have occurred.
“We cannot continue to regard insecurity as an ordinary occurrence or act only after people’s lives have been disrupted,” he said.
He called on the authorities to intensify efforts to secure the release of the abducted prospective corps members and ensure that the perpetrators were brought to justice.
Obi further stressed the need for Nigeria to become a country where young people can travel, work and serve their nation without the fear of abduction.
“I call for the immediate and safe rescue of all the abducted corps members and the arrest of those responsible,” he said.