The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, has condemned the abduction of about 20 prospective National Youth Service Corps members travelling to their orientation camp, describing the incident as another indication of worsening insecurity in Nigeria.
Obi, in a statement posted on X on Sunday, called for the immediate and safe rescue of the abducted youths and the arrest of those responsible.
He said young Nigerians preparing to serve the country could not travel safely, while their families were left worried about their safety.
“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.
The former Anambra State governor said the recurring cases of kidnapping had placed families under constant fear, stressing that the protection of lives and property remained the government’s primary responsibility.
“These young Nigerians were preparing to serve their nation, but they were unable to travel safely on our roads. Families are increasingly burdened by the fear that their loved ones could fall victim to kidnapping,” he said.
Obi faulted what he described as the normalisation of insecurity, arguing that the government should take proactive steps to protect citizens rather than respond only after incidents occur.
“We cannot continue to regard insecurity as an ordinary occurrence or act only after people’s lives have been disrupted,” he said.
He urged the authorities to intensify efforts to secure the release of the abducted prospective corps members and ensure that those behind the attack were brought to justice.
Obi added that Nigeria should be a country where young people could travel, work and serve without fear of being kidnapped.
“I call for the immediate and safe rescue of all the abducted corps members and the arrest of those responsible,” he said.
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