52 Days On: Oyo School Abduction — “President Tinubu Never Called,” Makinde Tells Peter Obi
The continued captivity of schoolchildren abducted in Oyo State has once again drawn attention to the urgent need for stronger protection of children in Nigeria, as fresh comments by former presidential candidate Peter Obi reignited concerns over the government’s response to the crisis.
More than 52 days after the children were taken, families remain separated from their loved ones while the children continue to face the physical, emotional, and psychological risks associated with prolonged captivity. Child rights advocates have repeatedly warned that every additional day in captivity increases the likelihood of lasting trauma and other forms of harm.
Speaking in a post on X on Monday, Obi claimed that Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde informed him that President Bola Tinubu had allegedly not contacted him since the abduction occurred. Obi described the development as a sign that the plight of the abducted children has not received the level of national attention it deserves.
According to Obi, he had publicly appealed twice to the abductors to release the children and had also spoken with Governor Makinde on two occasions to express solidarity. He said the incident should be treated as a national child protection emergency rather than a problem affecting only Oyo State.
Obi disclosed that during a visit to Ibadan on July 3 with economist Prof. Pat Utomi, he discussed the security situation with the governor. He said he was surprised to learn that Makinde had allegedly not received a phone call from the President regarding the abduction.
The former Anambra State governor also referenced the 2014 Chibok schoolgirls’ abduction, noting that President Tinubu had criticised the federal government’s handling of that crisis. He said similar urgency should be demonstrated in the ongoing efforts to rescue the Oyo schoolchildren.
Obi further stated that repeated attacks on schools and the continued detention of children highlight the need for stronger measures to safeguard schools, prevent abductions, and ensure that affected children are rescued without delay.
As the children mark 52 days in captivity, their continued absence underscores the devastating impact of school abductions on children, families, and communities. Beyond the immediate danger to their safety, prolonged captivity can interrupt education, affect emotional development, and leave children with long-term psychological scars.
