The National Association of Nigerian Students has condemned the abduction of students of Gateway ICT Polytechnic, Saapade, Ogun State, describing the incident as another disturbing sign of worsening insecurity around tertiary institutions.
In a statement signed by its President, Akinteye Babatunde, on Friday, the student body called on the Federal Government, the Ogun State Government and security agencies to ensure the immediate rescue of the abducted students while strengthening security around campuses nationwide.
The association said it received with “deep sorrow and grave concern” the news of the kidnapping of students following an attack on a private hostel along Paraga Road, Ipara, on Wednesday night.
According to NANS, the incident came only days after another security breach at D.S. Adegbenro ICT Polytechnic, Itori, where an HND II student, Ahmed Sekinat, was killed during a robbery attack while several others sustained injuries.
The student body said the back-to-back incidents had thrown students across Ogun State into fear.
“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 maintained 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 urged the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence 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 stressed 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 further argued that repeated assurances after attacks were no longer sufficient, insisting that government must provide sustained security measures for students both on and off campus.
It also called on governments to invest in affordable on-campus accommodation to reduce students’ exposure to security risks associated with living in remote private hostels.
“The government must recognise 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.
PUNCH Online had reported that suspected gunmen attacked a private hostel along Paraga Road, Ipara-Remo, on Wednesday night and abducted students of Gateway ICT Polytechnic, Saapade.
Following the attack, the institution suspended Thursday’s examination while the Ogun State Police Command launched a joint rescue operation with other security agencies.
The Students’ Union Government confirmed that five students were abducted, although police said investigations were ongoing to establish the exact number of victims.
