The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has issued a stark warning about what he calls Nigeria's growing acceptance of insecurity. He lamented that repeated mass abductions of schoolchildren no longer provoke the outrage that once united the nation.
Comparison with Chibok Abduction
Drawing a comparison between the global reaction to the 2014 Chibok girls' abduction and the muted response to recent school kidnappings, Obi said Nigeria appears to be losing its capacity to be shocked by tragedies that should shake the nation's conscience. In a post on his X handle, he noted that the kidnapping of the Chibok girls became a defining moment in Nigeria's history, sparking nationwide protests, international solidarity, and the globally recognized #BringBackOurGirls campaign. The incident drew attention from world leaders, celebrities, civil society groups, and human rights organizations, placing immense pressure on government authorities.
Alarming Trend
More than a decade later, Obi said the country's response to similar incidents has become alarmingly subdued despite the persistence of the threat. He stated, "What has happened since then should trouble every Nigerian." The former Anambra governor noted that while approximately ten school abductions occurred during the eight-year administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, more than ten have reportedly been recorded within the first three years of President Bola Tinubu's government. For Obi, the disturbing trend is not only the frequency of the attacks but the apparent erosion of public outrage. He questioned whether Nigerians have become so overwhelmed by insecurity and hardship that school kidnappings—once capable of bringing the nation to a standstill—are now being absorbed into daily life without sustained public pressure or accountability.
Impact on Education
His comments come against the backdrop of growing concerns over the safety of schools, particularly in northern Nigeria, where armed groups have repeatedly targeted students and educational institutions. Observers say the repeated attacks have created a climate of fear, disrupted learning, and deepened the crisis of out-of-school children, which remains one of the highest in the world.
Criticism of Political Elite
Beyond the security challenge, Obi accused the nation's political elite of losing focus on governance while millions of citizens struggle with worsening economic conditions. He argued that rather than confronting insecurity, unemployment, inflation, and poverty with urgency, political actors have increasingly shifted attention toward coalition-building, defections, and preparations for the 2027 elections. The former Labour Party flagbearer warned that such misplaced priorities risk further alienating citizens who are looking to government for solutions to everyday challenges. "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.
International Image
Obi also expressed concern over Nigeria's international image, saying years of insecurity and economic difficulties have weakened the country's standing globally. While rejecting attempts to define Nigeria solely by its present struggles, he acknowledged that leadership failures have contributed significantly to the country's declining reputation. According to him, the path forward lies not in political rhetoric or image management but in effective leadership rooted in competence, accountability, compassion, and a genuine commitment to protecting lives.
Appeal to Youth
In a direct appeal to young Nigerians, Obi urged them not to become desensitized to poor governance or recurring national tragedies. He challenged the nation's youth to reject indifference, demand accountability from leaders, and remain active participants in shaping the country's future. His intervention has once again placed the spotlight on Nigeria's lingering security crisis and raises uncomfortable questions about whether repeated tragedies have gradually dulled the nation's collective conscience. For many Nigerians, the issue is no longer just the persistence of school kidnappings. It is the unsettling possibility that the country may be growing accustomed to them.
