The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has condemned the abduction of students of Gateway ICT Polytechnic, Saapade, Ogun State.
The students union described the incident as another disturbing sign of worsening insecurity around tertiary institutions.
The student organization urged the federal government, the Ogun State government, and security services to guarantee the prompt rescue of the kidnapped students while bolstering campus security across the country in a statement signed by its president, Akinteye Babatunde, on Friday.
Following an attack on a private hostel on Paraga Road in Ipara on Wednesday night, the association stated it learned of the kidnapping of students with “deep sorrow and grave concern.”
The incident occurred just days after another security breach at D.S. Adegbenro ICT Polytechnic, Itori, where Ahmed Sekinat, an HND II student, was killed during a robbery attack and others were injured, according to NANS.
The student body claimed that Ogun State students were terrified as a result of the consecutive assaults.
“As the apex leadership of Nigerian students, saddled with the responsibility of protecting the interests and welfare of students across the country and in the diaspora, we condemn, in its entirety, this reprehensible attack on the safety and security of Nigerian students.
“It is unconscionable that, within the space of a few days, two tertiary institutions in the same state have been exposed to a high level of insecurity and violent criminality, leaving the student community in a state of fear and mourning,” the statement read.
The association stressed that students should not have to risk their lives in pursuit of education.
“Education is a right, and no student should have to trade their safety for the pursuit of knowledge. We cannot stand idly by while our campuses become dens of kidnapping and all forms of criminality. The security of students is non-negotiable,” it added.
NANS called on the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps, the Nigerian Army, and other relevant security agencies to deploy every available resource to secure the safe and unconditional release of the abducted students.
It maintained that, beyond rescue efforts, authorities must implement measures to prevent similar attacks.
“Every necessary resource to secure their safe and unconditional release must be deployed, while adequate measures are put in place to forestall similar occurrences in the future,” the association said.
The student body insisted that the government offer ongoing security measures for students both on and off campus, arguing that repeated assurances following assaults were no longer adequate.
In order to lessen the security dangers that come with living in distant private hostels, it also urged governments to make investments in reasonably priced on-campus housing.
“The government must recognize the importance of investing heavily in the construction of affordable, campus-based hostels for students, which would significantly reduce students’ exposure to the security risks associated with off-campus accommodation,” NANS stated.
The association pledged to continue engaging relevant authorities until the abducted students regain their freedom and lasting security measures are implemented across tertiary institutions.
“Our thoughts and prayers remain with the abducted students and their families, and we hold firmly to the hope of their safe and immediate return,” the statement added.
Chronicle NG reports that suspected gunmen attacked a private hostel along Paraga Road, Ipara-Remo, on Wednesday night and abducted students of Gateway ICT Polytechnic, Saapade.
“The government must recognize the importance of investing heavily in the construction of affordable, campus-based hostels for students, which would significantly reduce students’ exposure to the security risks associated with off-campus accommodation,” NANS stated.
NANS pledged to continue engaging relevant authorities until the abducted students regain their freedom and lasting security measures are implemented across tertiary institutions.
“Our thoughts and prayers remain with the abducted students and their families, and we hold firmly to the hope of their safe and immediate return,” the statement added.
Chronicle NG reported that suspected gunmen attacked a private hostel along Paraga Road, Ipara-Remo, on Wednesday night and abducted students of Gateway ICT Polytechnic, Saapade.
The Ogun State Police Command initiated a joint rescue effort with other security agencies after the attack, and the university halted Thursday’s exam.
Although police stated that investigations were underway to determine the precise number of victims, the Students’ Union Government acknowledged that five students had been kidnapped.
