Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 election, has expressed relief and gratitude following the successful rescue of medical students kidnapped in Benue State and prospective corps members abducted in Zamfara in August 2023.
Obi, who described the rescues as heartening and encouraging, extended his thanks to the security agencies involved in the operations. According to reports, 20 medical students were kidnapped in Benue State while traveling to Enugu State, and their rescue was coordinated by the office of the National Security Adviser.
Similarly, the Director General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Major General Yusha’u Ahmed, announced the successful rescue of all eight prospective corps members who were abducted along the Funtua-Gusua Road in Zamfara State on August 17, 2023.
In a post on his X (formerly Twitter) account on Saturday, the former Anambra State governor acknowledged the successful rescue but emphasized the need for proactive measures to prevent such incidents in the future. He urged the government and security agencies to intensify efforts to bring perpetrators to justice and tackle the root causes of insecurity.
“The recent reports on the rescue of the 20 medical students kidnapped in Benue State and the release of eight National Youth Corps members by their captors are truly relieving and uplifting,” Obi wrote.
“The NYSC members were kidnapped in Zamfara on August 17 while traveling from Uyo in Akwa Ibom State to Sokoto State. I extend my appreciation to the combined team of security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, DSS, military personnel, and everyone who played a role in rescuing our children from captivity.”
He continued, “I commend their bravery and sacrifices. However, beyond these rescue operations, I encourage the government and security forces to be more proactive in preventing these criminal activities from happening and ensuring those responsible are held accountable.”
Obi also raised concerns about ongoing insecurity in Nigeria, highlighting recent attacks in Niger and Zamfara states that resulted in multiple deaths and kidnappings.
“Until we fully declare war on insecurity in our nation, such tragic stories will continue to mar our national life,” he warned. “Just two days ago, it was reported that 13 farmers were killed by bandits in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State. Another bandit attack occurred in Moriki Community, Zamfara State, where about 10 persons were kidnapped.”
Obi stressed that many such incidents go unreported across the country and called for decisive action to end the cycle of violence. “Insecurity must be stopped, and those behind it must be stopped. Our nation needs to move forward,” he said.
In closing, Obi reiterated his belief that a more secure Nigeria is achievable. “The government and our security agents must now take the lead in protecting the lives and properties of our people from these criminal elements. As I have consistently maintained, a new and more secure Nigeria remains POssible.”