The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has condemned the abduction of students of Gateway ICT Polytechnic, Saapade, Ogun State, describing the incident as another alarming indication of the growing insecurity around tertiary institutions across the country.
In a statement issued on Friday and signed by its President, Akinteye Babatunde, 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 measures in and around campuses nationwide.
NANS said it received with “deep sorrow and grave concern” reports of the kidnapping of students following an attack by suspected gunmen on a private hostel along Paraga Road, Ipara-Remo, on Wednesday night.
The association noted that the incident occurred 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.
According to the association, the two incidents have heightened fear and anxiety among students across Ogun State.
“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 be forced 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 all available resources to secure the safe and unconditional release of the abducted students.
It maintained that rescue efforts alone were insufficient, calling on authorities to implement proactive security measures to prevent similar attacks on tertiary institutions.
“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 stated.
The student body further argued that repeated assurances following attacks were no longer enough, insisting that governments must provide sustained security for students both on and off campus.
It also advocated increased investment 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 said.
The association pledged to continue engaging relevant authorities until the abducted students regain their freedom and lasting security measures are put in place 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.
Suspected gunmen had attacked a private hostel along Paraga Road, Ipara-Remo, on Wednesday night, abducting students of Gateway ICT Polytechnic, Saapade.
Following the incident, the institution suspended Thursday’s examinations, while the Ogun State Police Command launched a joint rescue operation with other security agencies.
Although the Students’ Union Government confirmed that five students were abducted, police said investigations were ongoing to determine the exact number of victims.