Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has decried the worsening attacks on schools across the country, warning that Nigerian children are increasingly becoming victims of a growing “ransom economy” driven by insecurity.
Reacting to the recent bandit attack on Government Secondary School, Iluke, in Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State, Obi described the incident as heartbreaking and a dangerous assault on the nation’s future.
In a statement on Wednesday, the former Anambra State governor expressed concern that the latest attack occurred barely three weeks after the abduction of more than 40 schoolchildren and their teachers, who, according to him, remain in captivity.
“It’s heartbreaking to report yet another bandit attack on a school, barely three weeks after over 40 schoolchildren and their teachers were abducted and are still languishing in the forest,” Obi said.
He condemned the attack on the Kogi school, where armed bandits reportedly stormed the premises during an ongoing WAEC examination, killed the Vice Principal, Mr. Gani Anifowose, and attempted to abduct students.
According to Obi, reports indicated that local security personnel and vigilantes mounted resistance that ultimately frustrated the attackers’ plans.
“The security situation in Kogi State has taken another tragic turn with a brutal bandit attack on Government Secondary School, Iluke, in Kabba-Bunu LGA. Armed bandits disguised in military uniforms invaded the school during an ongoing WAEC examination, killed the Vice Principal, Mr. Gani Anifowose, and attempted a mass abduction of students,” he stated.
While commending the efforts of local security operatives and vigilante groups, Obi warned that persistent attacks on schools could deepen Nigeria’s education crisis and discourage parents from sending their children to school.
“Making educational institutions soft targets is a direct assault on the nation’s future. It creates a psychological barrier to school enrolment and worsens Nigeria’s out-of-school children crisis, disproportionately forcing young girls out of formal education due to fear,” he said.
“There is nothing more heartbreaking for a nation than being unable to protect its children.”
The former presidential candidate also paid tribute to the slain vice principal, describing him as a hero who died defending students under his care.
“My heartfelt condolences go to the family of the Vice Principal, who lost his life while gallantly defending the children entrusted to his care. May God grant his soul eternal repose,” Obi added.
The attack has further heightened concerns over the deteriorating security situation in parts of Kogi State and renewed calls for stronger measures to safeguard schools and protect students across the country.
