- NANS Condemns Student Kidnappings – Calls on the Federal Government to address rising campus abductions.
- Benue Varsity Abduction – Three female students were kidnapped on February 25 after a night study session.
- Campus Safety Concerns – NANS warns that campuses are becoming unsafe for students.
- Criticism of Security Response – Urges security agencies to act swiftly to prevent more kidnappings.
- Call for Stronger Security – Demands universities reinforce security instead of just suspending academic activities.
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has expressed deep concern over the growing cases of student kidnappings across tertiary institutions, urging the Federal Government to take urgent action to curb the menace threatening campus safety.
The student body specifically called for intensified efforts to rescue three female students of Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi, who were abducted on February 25 while returning from a night study session on campus.
Eyewitnesses reported that the kidnappers emerged from a nearby bush and forcibly took the students away.
In a statement issued on Sunday in Abeokuta, NANS National Vice President for Inter-Campus Affairs, Akinbodunse Sileola Felicia, described the rise in student abductions as alarming and unacceptable.
“Apart from the psychological and physical trauma inflicted on the kidnapped students, their parents and guardians are also in distress. If students within campus premises are not safe, those living off-campus face an even greater risk,” she stated.
Akinbodunse urged the university management to do more than just suspending academic activities, stressing the need for reinforced security, especially at night when students engage in study sessions.
NANS also criticized security agencies for their slow response in rescuing the abducted students, warning that inaction could embolden criminals to continue their attacks.
“NANS is alarmed at the rate students are being kidnapped on campuses. This disturbing trend must be stopped before it spirals out of control.”
