The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has raised concerns over the increasing cases of student kidnappings across tertiary institutions in the country, urging the Federal Government to take immediate action to curb the menace and restore safety on campuses.
NANS specifically called on security agencies to expedite efforts in rescuing three female students of Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi, Benue State, who were abducted on February 25 by suspected kidnappers while returning from a night study session within the university premises.
A witness from the university reported that the assailants emerged from a nearby bush and seized the students, raising further fears about security lapses on campus.
In a statement issued in Abeokuta, Ogun State, on Sunday, the NANS National Vice President for Inter-Campus Affairs, Akinbodunse Sileola Felicia, decried the increasing vulnerability of students both on and off campus, describing the trend as alarming and unacceptable.
She expressed deep concern over the psychological and emotional toll the kidnapping would have on the victims and their families, emphasizing that the growing insecurity within campuses is putting students at constant risk.
Akinbodunse urged the management of Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University to go beyond suspending academic activities and take decisive steps to strengthen security measures, particularly at night when students engage in study sessions.
Criticizing the slow response from security agencies, she warned that failure to swiftly rescue the abducted students and apprehend the perpetrators could embolden other criminal elements to carry out similar attacks.
“NANS is alarmed by the rising cases of student abductions on campuses. This disturbing trend must be addressed urgently before it escalates further. The abduction of three 100-level engineering students of Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi, is heartbreaking. The trauma and distress this incident has caused both the victims and their families cannot be overstated.
“It is deeply concerning that campuses, which were once considered safe havens for students, have now become easy targets for kidnappers. While we strongly condemn this act and demand the immediate release of the abducted students, we also urge the Federal Government, Benue State Government, and security agencies to take swift action to ensure their safe return.
“We acknowledge the university management’s decision to suspend academic activities following the incident, but more proactive measures must be taken to enhance security on campus and its surroundings to prevent future occurrences.
“NANS is closely monitoring developments, and if concrete actions are not taken to rescue the students promptly, we will not hesitate to mobilize protests across the country,” Akinbodunse stated.
