‘Young Nigerians, Take Back Your Country’ — Peter Obi Laments Rising Kidnappings, Accuses Leaders of Neglecting Governance

Presidential candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has urged Nigerian youths to take an active role in shaping the nation’s future, warning against what he described as the growing acceptance of insecurity and recurring mass kidnappings across the country.

The former presidential candidate made the remarks amid fresh concerns over escalating violence and abductions in several parts of Nigeria, questioning why incidents that once united the nation in outrage are now being treated as routine occurrences.

Obi’s comments come in the wake of a series of high-profile kidnappings that have heightened fears over the country’s worsening security situation.

Fresh Wave of Kidnappings Sparks Concern

On May 15, 2026, coordinated attacks on educational institutions in Oriire, Oyo State, and Mussa town in Borno State reportedly resulted in the abduction of dozens of schoolchildren and teachers. Reports indicated that at least one teacher was killed during the attacks.

More recently, on June 3, heavily armed gunmen allegedly invaded student residences at Zamfara State University and abducted six students.

In a separate incident in Ibadan, kidnappers reportedly intercepted and abducted the younger sister of former Minister of Power, Bayo Adelabu, alongside her 12-year-old twin sons.

The incidents have renewed calls for stronger security measures and more decisive government action to tackle kidnapping and violent crime.

Obi Compares Current Situation to Chibok Abduction

Reacting to the recent attacks, Obi questioned why the latest wave of kidnappings has failed to generate the level of public outrage and international attention that followed the abduction of the Chibok schoolgirls in 2014.

According to him, the Chibok incident sparked a global movement and united Nigerians across political, ethnic, and religious divides.

“The abduction of the Chibok girls in 2014 triggered a global movement. One school abduction was enough to unite Nigerians, attract international attention, and place enormous pressure on the government through the #BringBackOurGirls campaign,” Obi stated.

He expressed concern that despite repeated attacks on schools and communities in recent years, there has been no comparable national mobilisation or sustained global attention.

Questions Normalisation of Insecurity

The NDC candidate argued that the country may be becoming dangerously desensitised to insecurity.

Comparing different administrations, Obi claimed that school abductions have continued to occur despite repeated promises by political leaders to improve security.

“Under President Buhari’s eight years in office, Nigeria witnessed about ten school abductions. Under President Tinubu’s administration, in just three years, we have already recorded over ten school abductions,” he said.

“Despite these repeated tragedies, there has been neither sustained national outrage nor significant international attention comparable to what followed Chibok. This raises an important question: have we become so accustomed to insecurity that what once shocked our national conscience is now treated as normal?”

Political Leaders Accused of Prioritising Elections

Obi also criticised what he described as the growing preoccupation of political leaders with future electoral contests while millions of Nigerians continue to struggle with insecurity, poverty, and economic hardship.

According to him, many public office holders appear more focused on political calculations and preparations for upcoming elections than on addressing the urgent needs of citizens.

“At a time when millions of Nigerians are grappling with insecurity, poverty, and hardship, it is deeply troubling that those in power appear more focused on political calculations and preparations for the next election than on addressing the urgent challenges confronting our people,” he said.

The former governor argued that effective leadership should focus on solving immediate national problems rather than engaging in political distractions.

Calls for Accountability and Better Governance

Obi further stated that persistent insecurity, economic difficulties, and governance failures have negatively affected Nigeria’s image and standing in the international community.

While rejecting attempts to define the country solely by its current challenges, he insisted that leaders must confront reality and implement practical solutions to improve citizens’ lives.

According to him, the path forward lies in competent, compassionate, and accountable leadership that prioritises the welfare and security of Nigerians.

“The answer is not denial, propaganda, or political distraction. The answer is leadership that is competent, compassionate, accountable, and genuinely committed to the welfare and security of the Nigerian people,” he stated.

‘Refuse to Normalise Failure’

Concluding his message, Obi issued a passionate appeal to young Nigerians, urging them not to become indifferent to the country’s challenges or accept poor governance as normal.

He encouraged the youth to remain engaged in national affairs and demand meaningful change from those in positions of authority.

“The Nigerian youth must not become indifferent. We must all refuse to normalise failure. Young Nigerians – Take back your country!” he declared.

His remarks have since sparked discussions on social media, with many Nigerians debating the state of security in the country and the role of citizens in demanding greater accountability from political leaders.