The Coalition of Northern Groups Students’ Wing (CNG-SW), an umbrella body of all Northern Nigerian students studying in Nigeria and in the Diaspora, in reaction to the kidnapping of female students at Federal University Gusau, Zamfara State, has demanded their rescue by the federal government.
It demanded that the government immediately mobilize all necessary resources and work with relevant security agencies to rescue the kidnapped students in a statement that Northwest coordinator Muhammad B. Aliyu signed yesterday in Abuja.
While noting that time is of the essence, Aliyu said every effort must be made to ensure their prompt and safe return, adding that the trauma and anguish endured by the affected students, their families, and the entire education community cannot be overstated. He said that the group is standing in solidarity with the abducted scholars and vowed to do everything within its power to support their cause.
Aliyu urged the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to lend their voice to this cause and actively engage with the government to ensure that educational institutions are safe for both students and staff, adding that the safety of scholars should be a top priority for all stakeholders in the education sector.
He also called on state governments to collaborate with the federal government in devising strategies to safeguard schools.
The students’ North West coordinator also demanded the establishment of a mini-military barrack that will provide adequate security cover and 24/7 surveillance for Federal University, Gusau, and its host community.
“We also demand the deployment of adequate and well-equipped troops to the barracks. Similarly, we request the upgrade of the police and NSCDC outposts to a divisional station with adequate personnel and sophisticated weapons to foil attacks and prevent subsequent invasions. construction of a perimeter fence to protect the university from free invasions and attacks. Training and the provision of adequate equipment for the university will help them be able to resist attacks,” Aliyu said.
The North-West chapter of the Students’ Wing of the Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) condemned in the strongest terms this brazen act of violence and called on the government to take immediate and decisive action to ensure the safe release of the abducted scholars, Aliyu said.
He said it is disheartening to witness the recurring cycle of violence and insecurity that continues to plague educational institutions and threaten the future of young people.
