Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi on Friday charged security agencies to ensure the rescue of students abducted from the Confluence University of Science and Technology in Okene, Kogi state.
Obi said the abduction of the students was an indication that Nigerian security agencies are overwhelmed.
In a series of tweets, Obi wrote: “Again further obstacles have been raised in our children’s education in the country with yet another invasion and abduction of students by bandits at the Confluence University of Science and Technology in Osara, Okene, Kogi state on Thursday.
“The very disturbing reports of the terror attack on the University by armed bandits left many students reportedly abducted. This ugly news adds yet another layer of pain to a bewildered nation already overwhelmed by insecurity.
“It is saddening that our children who were preparing for their exams would end up in captivity, in such a painful manner. This is not acceptable and must be condemned in very strong terms through stiff and purposeful action.
“An attack on our students is an attack on education. While we are still lamenting the over 18.5 million out-of-school children as reported by UNICEF, largely due to insecurity in the country, and very low enrolment of students at the tertiary levels, we are now confronted with a situation where our students are being attacked, further aggravating the educational crisis in the nation. I reiterate, and firmly so, that the government must prioritize the security of lives and property.
“Our national existence is seriously threatened by insecurity, and every sector of our nation is burdened by this ugly menace. We must not allow our blessed country to continue this dangerous journey through terror, destruction, and avoidable deaths.
“For the sake of our children who were abducted, and for the sake of every Nigerian who deserves a peaceful and progressive nation, I urge the government and the security agencies to do whatever is possible to rescue these children and end the menace of insecurity.”