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Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, Presidential Candidate for the upcoming presidential election in 2027, Peter Obi, has pleaded with kidnappers holding school children and their teachers for over two weeks to release them for the sake of humanity.

Writing on his X platform on Wednesday, Obi said, “I am deeply shocked and heartbroken by the condition in which these abducted school children are, as seen from their flagellated bodies. It is a painful reminder of the depth of insecurity in our land.

“I have always made it clear that the society we abuse today will take its revenge on our children tomorrow. When I first began making that statement, some of these children were not even born. This is a classic example of how the abuse of governance and society today can produce devastating consequences long after the abusers are gone.

“It is on the same line that I argue that the loans our leaders take today will hurt our children in the future, as many of them will mature for repayment and consequences long after we are gone.

“To those holding these children, I make a direct appeal to your conscience. Remember that these are innocent children – sons and daughters of people who have placed their hopes, dreams, and entire future in them. In every one of them, you will find reflections of your own children, your own family, and your own humanity.

“No grievance, no hardship, no justification can ever outweigh the sanctity of a child’s life and innocence. Whatever path has led to this moment, there is still room for remorse, for humanity, and for a change of heart. I therefore appeal to your sense of mercy: release these children immediately. “Let them go. Return them safely to society to reunite with their families”

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…. one escapes, six still missing

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

Suspected bandits raided an off-campus hostel of Federal Polytechnic, Kaura Namoda, early Tuesday and abducted seven students. One escaped, leaving three male and three female students in captivity, authorities confirmed.

Kaura Namoda LGA Chairman, Hon. Mannir Haidara Kaura, confirmed the attack in a chat with Daily Trust, which first reported the incident, saying security agencies have launched rescue operations.

“The incident occurred, and security operatives are currently carrying out rescue operations to ensure the safe return of the kidnapped students,” Haidara said.

Zamfara Police Command spokesperson, DSP Yazid Abubakar, said the attack occurred at a residence on the outskirts of Low-Cost area.

“One of the students went outside during the night to urinate. In the process, he left the door open. Coincidentally, bandits passing through the area entered the house and abducted the students,” Abubakar stated.

Student Ibrahim Ahmad said one victim managed to escape, while six remain with the kidnappers.

–Locals: “Dajin Yamma camp still holding victims”–
kidnappers.

The Concerned Citizens of Kaura Namoda blamed notorious bandit leader Kachalla Bello Dansadiya and his gang. The group recalled previous abductions in the area, including two senior lecturers held for over two months despite ransom payment, and the kidnap of three residents plus a district head near a military base.

“Alarmingly, all these victims are reportedly still being held in a well-known bandit camp around Dajin Yamma, yet no rescue operations have taken place. Where are the fighter jets and armoured vehicles?” the group queried.

–Police response–

DSP Abubakar confirmed the polytechnic campus itself “remains well secured” with “adequate security personnel, making it extremely difficult for bandits to penetrate.”

He said the Command’s Violent Crime Response Unit, VCRU, in collaboration with troops of Operation Fansan Yamma, has launched a coordinated rescue operation.

“Our VCRU personnel, together with troops of Operation Fansan Yamma, are working to ensure the safe rescue of the abducted students,” Abubakar said.

The incident adds to growing fears over off-campus student safety in Zamfara, where armed groups continue to operate despite military offensives.

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…seek Urgent Relief for Displaced Residents

By Gloria Ikibah

The House of Representatives has called for urgent intervention to halt the recurring violence between the Karinjo and Wurkun communities in Karim-Lamido Local Government Area of Taraba State, following renewed clashes that have claimed lives, displaced residents and destroyed property worth millions of naira.

The call was sequel to the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance by Rrp. Mohammed Audu, who warned that the escalating conflict was deepening a humanitarian crisis in the affected communities.

Moving the motion before the House, Audu said violence erupted once again between the two communities on May 29, 2026, resulting in the deaths of five people, injuries to several others and widespread destruction of homes, farm produce and livestock.

According to him, the latest outbreak of hostilities has compounded existing security challenges in the area, particularly attacks by armed bandits operating around the border communities linking Taraba, Plateau, Bauchi and Gombe states.

The lawmaker disclosed that more than 100 people had been displaced from their homes as a result of the clashes and growing insecurity, forcing many families to seek refuge in neighbouring communities.

He noted that residents of areas such as Salakan had been rendered homeless and exposed to further risks, with many struggling to access clean water and other basic necessities.
Audu also expressed concern over the worsening humanitarian situation facing the victims, many of whom depend on farming for survival.

He said the destruction of farmlands, crops and livestock had deprived affected families of their primary means of livelihood, while communities including Mutun Daya, Bambur Zailani, Didango, Andami and Mayo-Gauri were now hosting large numbers of displaced persons.

The House was told that the growing influx of refugees into these communities was placing additional pressure on already limited resources and increasing the urgency for government intervention.
Lawmakers subsequently urged the Federal Government and relevant security agencies to take immediate steps to restore peace in the affected communities and prevent further loss of lives and property.
The House also called on the National Emergency Management Agency and other humanitarian agencies to provide emergency relief materials and support to displaced families affected by the violence.
Members stressed the need for enhanced security operations in Karim-Lamido and surrounding border communities, alongside measures aimed at addressing the root causes of the recurring conflict.
The motion received broad support from lawmakers, who described the situation as a serious threat to peace, food security and socio-economic stability in the area.
The House is expected to engage relevant authorities to ensure prompt intervention and long-term solutions to the crisis.