Obi condemns abduction of UTME candidates in Benue, blames leadership failure

Former presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has decried the reported abduction of candidates sitting for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) in Benue State, describing the incident as a disturbing reflection of Nigeria’s deepening security crisis.

In a statement posted on his verified social media handle on Friday, Obi said the incident was not only heartbreaking but also indicative of what he termed a failure of leadership and a breakdown of security across the country.

“The news of the abduction of innocent UTME candidates in Benue State is not just heartbreaking but a damning indictment of the failure of leadership and the collapse of security in our nation,” he said.

The former Anambra State governor lamented that young Nigerians pursuing education were increasingly being exposed to violence, warning that the trend could further undermine the country’s already low tertiary education attainment rate.

According to him, Nigeria’s share of tertiary graduates remains critically low at about one per cent, compared to countries such as Indonesia with about 13 per cent and South Africa at around 10 per cent.

“Young Nigerians striving for an education are being met with terror. We cannot afford to lose even one more student to violence,” Obi stated.

He criticised authorities responsible for security, accusing them of prioritising political interests over the safety of citizens, particularly students.

“Those entrusted with protecting these young students appear increasingly preoccupied with the next election, projecting strength and power, rather than deploying that same capacity to secure our roads, prevent these crimes, and rescue the abducted children,” he added.

Obi warned that the incident should not be treated as an isolated case, describing it instead as part of a broader and dangerous pattern.

“This is no longer an isolated tragedy. It is a pattern. It is a national crisis. And it demands urgent, decisive, and responsible action,” he said.

He called on authorities to move beyond rhetoric and demonstrate leadership that reflects the gravity of the situation, stressing that the safety of the nation’s youth must be prioritised.

“A nation that abandons its youth abandons its future. This cannot continue,” Obi said.