Oyo Abduction: “I Would Have Been in the Forest in 2 Days” – Peter Obi Slams FG’s Response

Former Anambra State governor and 2027 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has criticized the Federal Government’s response to the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oriire LGA, Ogbomoso, Oyo State, saying he would have personally entered the forest where the victims were taken if he were president.

Speaking on the security situation, Obi questioned why the abducted children had not been rescued after several weeks. 

“The President did not call the governor. What do you mean? 50 days! I would have been there in two days!” he said.

Obi insisted that decisive action should be taken, noting that the forest is within Nigerian territory. 

“Is the bush not in Nigeria? That bush they went into? The bush is in Nigeria! Everybody in that bush will come out! Everybody!”

He acknowledged that there could be casualties during such an operation but said rescuing the victims must remain the priority.  

“There might be casualties, but everybody will come out!” he stated.

Obi also criticized what he described as secrecy surrounding security operations in Nigeria. He argued that arrested suspects should be publicly paraded and citizens should be briefed on the outcome of investigations.

“And it is time when we say we have resolved something, we arrest some people, parade them! Let people see them! What is happening?”

Recalling his tenure as Anambra governor, Obi said he confronted criminal activities in forests and forced criminals out of the state.  

“If you go today, Evans will tell you — that criminal — he said Peter Obi made them leave Anambra,” he said.

He also mentioned several notorious criminals who, according to him, died in Anambra during his administration.  

“No way! It’s either I’m in charge or you people are in charge! I go home! One person must be in charge!”