Rescue of corpers, medical students from kidnappers’ den relieving — Peter Obi

Peter Obi, the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, has expressed relief and gratitude following the successful rescue of medical students kidnapped in Benue State and prospective corps members abducted in Zamfara State.

Obi praised the security agencies involved in the operations.

The Guardian had earlier reported the rescue of 20 medical students taken in Benue State on their way to Enugu, was coordinated by the National Security Adviser’s office.

Similarly, Major General Yusha’u Ahmed, Director General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), announced the release of eight corps members kidnapped on August 17, 2023, along Funtua-Gusau Road in Zamfara.

In a statement on X, Obi acknowledged the efforts of the Nigeria Police Force, DSS, and military personnel. He stressed the need for increased government and security agency vigilance to prevent future kidnappings and ensure perpetrators are brought to justice.

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Obi stressed ongoing security challenges, noting recent attacks in Niger State and Zamfara. He called for decisive action against insecurity, asserting that a secure Nigeria remains achievable.

The post read, “The two media reports showing the rescue of the 20 Medical Students who were Kidnapped In Benue State and the release of 8 National Youth Corps Members by their captors are relieving and gladdening.

“The NYSC members were kidnapped in Zamfara, on 17th August, while travelling from Uyo in Akwa State to Sokoto State, I thank the combined team of security agencies – the Nigeria Police Force, the DSS the military personnel, and everyone who contributed to the rescue of our children from captivity.

“I commend them for their gallant efforts and sacrifices. Beyond rescuing kidnap victims, I encourage the government, and our security agents to be more proactive in preventing these criminal activities from occurring in future and in ensuring that those behind these nefarious acts are brought to book.

“Until we fully declare war on insecurity in our nation, such ugly stories will continue to define our national existence.

“Just 2 days ago, it was reported that 13 farmers were killed by bandits at the Shiroro Local Government Area (LGA) of Niger State. Another attack by bandits on Moriki Community in Zamfara State was also reported the same day, where about 10 persons were kidnapped.

“Many of these criminal activities go on unreported in different parts of the nation. Insecurity must stop. Those behind insecurity in Nigeria must be stopped. Our nation must move forward.

“The government and our security agents must now take the lead in protecting the lives and properties of our people from these criminal elements. As I have insisted, a New and more secure Nigeria remains Possible.”