I’d Have Entered Forest to Rescue Oyo Pupils, Says Obi

Former Anambra State Governor and Nigeria Democratic Congress presidential aspirant, Peter Obi, has said he would have personally entered the forest where pupils and teachers abducted in Oriire, Oyo State, were held if he were President.

Obi made the statement while criticising the Federal Government’s handling of the abduction, which lasted for about 56 days before the victims were rescued by security forces in July.

The schoolchildren and their teachers were abducted on May 15, 2026, with the incident triggering widespread concern over the security situation in the country.

Speaking during an interview on *State of the Nation with Peter Obi* on Afia TV’s *Eastern Eye*, hosted by Alex Ogbodo, Obi said decisive leadership was required in tackling insecurity.

He alleged that President Bola Tinubu did not personally contact Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, throughout the period the victims remained in captivity.

Obi said he would not have waited for weeks before taking action, insisting that the location of the victims was within Nigeria and should therefore be accessible to security forces.

He said, “Days of kidnap of Oyo children. The President did not call the governor. What do you mean? Fifty days.”

The former governor added that he would have gone to the forest within days of the abduction and ensured that everyone held there was rescued, acknowledging that such an operation could involve casualties.

Obi also criticised the secrecy surrounding security operations, arguing that Nigerians should be informed when suspected criminals are arrested and brought to justice.

He recalled his experience as Anambra governor, saying he took direct action against criminal elements operating in forests across the state after consulting then-President Olusegun Obasanjo.

According to him, effective leadership requires clear authority, personal responsibility and the willingness to confront security challenges directly.

Obi further argued that there must be one person ultimately responsible for leading security efforts, stressing that anyone seeking to lead the country must be prepared to take responsibility for difficult decisions.

His comments come amid continued debate over the government’s response to kidnapping and other security challenges across Nigeria.