Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The 2027 presidential hopeful of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr. Peter Obi, has called on the Federal Government to adopt a decisive and uncompromising stance against terrorists and bandits who have turned schools into hunting grounds, warning that the continued assault on educational institutions will cripple the nation's future if left unchecked. Obi made the remarks on Thursday, May 21, 2026, during a visit to Practicing Nursery and Primary School in Agulu, Anaocha Local Government Area of Anambra State, where he inspected facilities, interacted with pupils and teachers, and assessed the state of early childhood education in his home state. The visit came exactly six days after armed terrorists stormed three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, abducting 46 pupils and teachers, and beheading a mathematics teacher, Michael Oyedokun, in captivity. With the victims still missing and rescue operations ongoing, Obi used the platform to link the twin crises of insecurity and educational decay, arguing that neither can be solved without bold and sustained government action.
Speaking to journalists after touring the Agulu school, Obi expressed deep distress over the Oyo abductions, noting that the attack was not an isolated incident but part of a disturbing pattern. "We cannot afford to be coy about this. Government must be decisive against these terrorists. If we do not protect our schools, we are destroying the foundation of our nation," he said. Obi recalled that he had visited the same school in Agulu several times over the years, including during his tenure as Governor of Anambra State from 2006 to 2014, and noted that while some progress had been made, much more needed to be done. "The quality of education determines the level of development. You cannot separate the two," he added. He emphasised that his commitment to educational reform would remain a central pillar of his presidential campaign, as he believes that investing in human capital is the only sustainable path out of poverty and underdevelopment.
Obi's visit to Practicing Nursery and Primary School, a modest institution that serves children from Agulu and surrounding communities, was deliberately low‑key, but his message carried national weight. The school, like many public primary schools across Nigeria, struggles with basic infrastructure deficits. During the visit, Obi observed children learning in classrooms with inadequate furniture, limited learning materials, and, in some cases, open spaces under trees. He spoke with teachers about their challenges, including irregular salary payments, lack of training opportunities, and the constant fear of insecurity that has led many parents in the North and Middle Belt to keep their children at home. "Every child deserves a safe place to learn. Every teacher deserves to work without fear. That is not a privilege; it is a right," Obi said.
The NDC presidential aspirant also took the opportunity to outline his broader vision for education if elected in 2027. He proposed a five‑point plan that includes: a substantial increase in the education budget to meet UNESCO's recommended 15‑20 percent of national expenditure; the construction of modern, secure classrooms in every local government area; a nationwide school feeding programme to improve nutrition and attendance; the recruitment and training of 500,000 additional teachers; and the establishment of a special security framework for schools, including the deployment of trained guards and the use of technology for early warning systems. "We cannot keep doing the same things and expecting different results. Education must be treated as a national emergency, just like security and the economy," he stated.
Obi's comments on decisive action against terrorists resonated with many Nigerians who have grown frustrated with the government's response to the Oyo abductions. Governor Seyi Makinde has confirmed that security operatives encountered improvised explosive devices during rescue operations, and that six suspected informants have been arrested. However, as of Thursday, May 21, no major rescue breakthrough had been announced, and the 46 victims, including a two-year-old toddler named Christianah Akanbi, remain in captivity. The Defence Headquarters has insisted that the attackers are "ordinary criminals" and not terrorists, a distinction that Obi rejected. "When you storm a school with AK‑47s, abduct children, plant explosives, and behead a teacher, you are a terrorist. Semantics do not matter. Action matters," he said.
The former Anambra governor's visit to Agulu also served as a homecoming of sorts, as he reconnected with community leaders and teachers who remembered his tenure as governor, during which he prioritised education and health. Several residents who spoke with reporters praised Obi's accessibility and his continued interest in grassroots development, even after leaving office. However, some political observers noted that his NDC candidacy faces an uphill battle, as the party is still building its structures across the country, and the ruling APC and main opposition PDP remain dominant. Nevertheless, Obi's consistent focus on education and good governance has earned him a loyal following, particularly among young Nigerians and civil society groups who see him as a credible alternative to the political establishment.
As Obi left the Practicing Nursery and Primary School in Agulu, he was surrounded by children waving miniature NDC flags and chanting "Obi! Obi!" In his final remarks to the press, he returned to the theme that has defined his political career: accountability. "The government that is in power today owes us an explanation. Where are our children? Why have they not been rescued? What is the plan to prevent the next attack? These questions must be answered, not with platitudes, but with results," he said. With the 2027 elections still over a year away, Obi is already laying the groundwork for what promises to be a fiercely contested race. But for the parents of the 46 missing pupils and teachers in Oyo State, the election seems distant. Their immediate concern is not who will be president in 2027, but whether their children will still be alive to see that day.
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