The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has raised concerns over the increasing rate of student kidnappings across tertiary institutions in the country, calling on the Federal Government to urgently address the menace that has made campuses unsafe.
The student body specifically appealed to the government and security agencies to intensify efforts in rescuing the three female students of Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi, Benue State, who were abducted on February 25 while returning from a night study session within the university premises.
Eyewitnesses reported that the kidnappers emerged from a nearby bush and forcefully took the students away.
In a statement issued on Sunday in Abeokuta, NANS National Vice President, Inter-Campus Affairs, Akinbodunse Sileola Felicia, described the abduction of students on and off campus as an alarming trend that must be tackled immediately.
She expressed concern that campuses, once considered safe, have now become porous, making them easy targets for criminal elements.
“Apart from the psychological and physical trauma inflicted on the kidnapped students, their parents and guardians are also in distress. If students living within campus premises can be kidnapped, those residing off campus are at even greater risk,” Akinbodunse stated.
She urged the university management to go beyond merely suspending academic activities and reinforce security, especially at night when students engage in study sessions.
NANS also criticized the slow response of security agencies in rescuing the students, warning that failure to act swiftly would embolden criminals to continue such nefarious activities.
“NANS is alarmed at the rate students are being kidnapped on campuses. This disturbing trend must be stopped before it spirals out of control.”
“We commend the management of Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University for suspending academic activities, but they must also strengthen campus security to prevent a recurrence.”
“If urgent action is not taken, NANS will not hesitate to mobilize students for nationwide protests until the abducted students are rescued,” Akinbodunse declared.
The association urged the Federal Government, Benue State Government, and security agencies to prioritize the safety of students and secure the immediate release of the abducted students unharmed.
