Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and his counterpart from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, have commended the release of Lea Primary and Government Secondary School Kuriga in Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
On March 7, approximately 287 schoolchildren were abducted by gunmen on motorcycles, prompting widespread outrage and condemnation, including from UNICEF.
Two weeks later, prominent politicians commended the efforts of security agencies and individuals involved in securing the safe release of the students.
Obi expressed relief at the news of the children’s release and urged the Federal Government to ensure the safe return of all Nigerians still held captive by kidnappers.
We must ensure that every Nigerian is safe in Nigeria, by not giving terrorists any operating space in our nation. No Nigerian should ever be a captive or hostage anywhere in his fatherland.
— Peter Obi (@PeterObi) March 24, 2024
“It is comforting to hear that 287 school children abducted in Kaduna have been released. It is hard to imagine the mental pain and trauma the children must have gone through in the hands of their abductors,” he said.
“Efforts should also be made, not just to release many of our people in the different kidnappers dens across the country, but to end the scourge of insecurity completely.
“I encourage every Nigerian, in the midst of these dark and fearful nights in our nation where danger seems to be lurking on every corner, to remain hopeful for the new dawn of a secure and safe nation – the New Nigeria which is possible.”
Atiku on his part wants the nation’s security architecture to be overhauled amidst the several security threats confronting the nation.
I am elated at the news of the release of the 287 abducted school children in Kaduna after 16 days in captivity.
I commend all those who worked tirelessly to make their release a reality.
As we celebrate with their families and friends, let’s be mindful that, like stage four…
— Atiku Abubakar (@atiku) March 24, 2024
He also called for the “strengthening of the Safe School Initiative that prioritises the protection of schools, especially in the areas that are most vulnerable to mass kidnap of school children.”
“But above all, there should be an overhaul of the security architecture to meet the demands of the threats facing us.”