Peter Obi, the Nigeria Democratic Congress presidential candidate ahead of 2027, has appealed to the terrorists who kidnapped dozens of students and teachers in the Oriire council area, Oyo state, to release the hostages.

“Please release these children for the sake of our shared humanity. I am deeply shocked and heartbroken by the condition in which these abducted schoolchildren are, as seen from their flagellated bodies,” Mr Obi said in a statement on Wednesday. “It is a painful reminder of the depth of insecurity in our land.”

He added, “To those holding these children, I make a direct appeal to your conscience. Remember that these are innocent children—sons and daughters of people who have placed their hopes, dreams, and entire future in them. In every one of them, you will find reflections of your own children, your own family, and your own humanity.

“Whatever path has led to this moment, there is still room for remorse, for humanity, and for a change of heart. I therefore appeal to your sense of mercy: release these children immediately. Let them go. Return them safely to society to reunite with their families.”

However, the presidential hopeful noted that the society “we abuse today will take its revenge on our children tomorrow”.

“When I first began making that statement, some of these children were not even born. This is a classic example of how the abuse of governance and society today can produce devastating consequences long after the abusers are gone.

“It is on the same line that I argue that the loans our leaders take today will hurt our children in the future, as many of them will mature for repayment and consequences long after we are gone,” the former Anambra governor stated.

Mr Obi insisted that no amount of grievance, hardship and justification could ever outweigh the sanctity of a child’s life and innocence, urging the terrorists to free the hostages.

“To those holding these children, I make a direct appeal to your conscience. Remember that these are innocent children – sons and daughters of people who have placed their hopes, dreams, and entire future in them. In every one of them, you will find reflections of your own children, your own family, and your own humanity.

“Whatever path has led to this moment, there is still room for remorse, for humanity, and for a change of heart. I therefore appeal to your sense of mercy: release these children immediately. Let them go. Return them safely to society to reunite with their families,” the politician stated.