The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has called for the immediate and safe rescue of about 20 prospective National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members abducted while travelling to their orientation camp.
Obi, who made the call in a statement on Sunday, described the incident as another indication of the worsening insecurity in Nigeria, saying young Nigerians preparing to serve their country should not have to travel in fear.
“The abduction of approximately 20 prospective NYSC members travelling to their orientation camp is yet another distressing indication of the worsening insecurity in our country,” Obi said.
According to him, the victims were on their way to begin their national service when they were abducted, highlighting the security challenges faced by Nigerians travelling on the country’s roads.
“These young Nigerians were preparing to serve their nation, but they were unable to travel safely on our roads,” he said.
Obi also expressed concern over the impact of insecurity on families, saying Nigerians were increasingly living with the fear that their loved ones could become victims of kidnapping.
“Families are increasingly burdened by the fear that their loved ones could fall victim to kidnapping,” he said.
The former Anambra State governor said the protection of citizens remained a fundamental responsibility of the government, urging authorities to take decisive action to secure lives and property.
“Protecting lives and property is the government’s foremost responsibility,” Obi said.
He warned against treating insecurity as an ordinary occurrence or responding only after citizens had already suffered harm.
“We cannot continue to regard insecurity as an ordinary occurrence or act only after people’s lives have been disrupted,” he said.
Obi called on the authorities to prioritise the safe recovery of the abducted prospective corps members and ensure that those responsible for the abduction are apprehended.
“I call for the immediate and safe rescue of all the abducted corps members and the arrest of those responsible,” he said.
He further stressed the need for Nigeria to become a country where young people can move freely and safely, pursue their livelihoods and undertake national service without fear.
“Nigeria must become a country where young people can travel, work, and serve their nation without fear,” Obi said.
