The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has condemned the reported abduction of about 20 prospective National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members travelling to their orientation camp, describing the incident as another troubling sign of worsening insecurity in Nigeria.
Obi, in a statement posted on his Facebook page, said the victims were young Nigerians preparing to serve their country but were unable to travel safely on the nation’s roads.
He expressed concern over the growing fear among families that their loved ones could become victims of kidnapping while travelling within the country.
According to him, the continued occurrence of abductions should not be treated as an ordinary feature of life in Nigeria, stressing that the protection of lives and property remains the foremost responsibility of government.
“Protecting lives and property is the government’s foremost responsibility. We cannot continue to regard insecurity as an ordinary occurrence or act only after people’s lives have been disrupted,” Obi said.
The NDC presidential candidate called for the immediate and safe rescue of all the abducted corps members and the arrest and prosecution of those responsible for the attack.
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He said Nigeria must urgently restore confidence in the safety of its roads and communities, particularly for young Nigerians travelling for education, employment, national service and other legitimate activities.
Obi said the country must become one where young people can travel, work and serve their nation without fear, warning that the continued insecurity poses a serious threat to national development and the future of Nigerian youths.
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