Senatorial Aspirant Urges Tinubu to Tackle Kidnapping Crisis

A senatorial aspirant for Osun Central District under the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Nathaniel Oduyemi, has raised alarm over the increasing kidnappings of schoolchildren and teachers in Nigeria.

In a statement released on Monday, Oduyemi said the kidnap of students from schools, which should be safe places for learning, shows how serious the country's security problems are.

"I have watched with deep concern and growing anxiety the disturbing wave of kidnappings targeting school children and their teachers across Nigeria. This trend is a threat to Nigeria’s future.

“The abduction of innocent pupils from schools that ought to be safe havens for learning is a tragic reminder that our nation is facing a grave security crisis. These attacks are not only assaults on the victims and their families; they are attacks on the future of our country,” the statement read.

Oduyemi pointed out that while kidnapping is not new in Nigeria, the recent cases are happening more often and with greater boldness.

"While kidnapping is unfortunately not new to Nigeria, the frequency, audacity, and scale of recent incidents have exposed the alarming weakness of the current administration’s response to insecurity.

“Criminals now operate with a level of boldness that suggests they no longer fear the consequences of their actions, while citizens are increasingly left to themselves," the statement added.

Oduyemi also spoke about the slow response from the government to the abduction of schoolchildren.

"What is most troubling is the apparent lack of urgency displayed by the Federal Government in addressing these heartbreaking incidents.

“For days and weeks after the abduction of the Ogbomosho school children, Nigerians were met with silence rather than decisive leadership. Families were left in agony, communities were left traumatized, and the nation watched helplessly as precious time slipped away," the statement noted.

He stressed that every Nigerian child should have equal protection, no matter the political situation.

"Many Nigerians cannot help but wonder whether politics has overshadowed humanity in the government’s response.

“The perception that the level of federal attention given to security emergencies depends on political affiliations is dangerous for national unity. Every Nigerian child deserves protection regardless of the state in which they live or the political party their governor belongs to," Oduyemi said.

He also called for more cooperation among stakeholders to fight insecurity and urged parents to take extra steps to protect their children.

"I therefore call on parents across the country to remain vigilant and take every possible precaution to safeguard their children.

“While we continue to pray for divine intervention, parents must also strengthen community-based security measures and pay closer attention to the safety of their wards. These are extraordinary times that require extraordinary caution," he stated.

Oduyemi made a direct appeal to President Bola Tinubu to take strong action against rising insecurity.

"As a fellow son of Osun State, I make a passionate appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Mr President, Nigerians are looking to you for leadership. This is the moment to demonstrate courage, compassion, and determination.

“The lives of our children are too precious to become casualties of bureaucracy, political calculations, or administrative delays," he stated.

He urged the Federal Government to seek broader partnerships and new strategies to fight criminal groups.

"If the security situation has become overwhelming, there should be no hesitation in seeking broader support.

“The Federal Government must engage international partners, deploy every available resource, and embrace innovative security strategies capable of confronting the growing threat posed by criminal gangs and terrorist elements," Oduyemi said.

The Osun Central aspirant warned that leaders will be judged by how they respond during national crises.

"History will judge every leader not by the promises they made but by how they responded when their people were in distress.

“President Tinubu, you have already secured your place in history as Nigeria’s President; what remains is the legacy you choose to leave behind. This is the time to act decisively and demonstrate that no Nigerian life is expendable," he said.

Oduyemi added that Nigerians are looking for urgent action from the government amid fears over insecurity.

"Today, parents are crying, communities are living in fear, and Nigerians are becoming increasingly frustrated.

“The nation needs reassurance, empathy, and urgent action from its leadership. I demand the President to rise above politics, place humanity first, and restore confidence in the government’s ability to protect its citizens before desperation pushes people toward self-help and further threatens our collective peace and stability," he added.