ABEOKUTA, Nigeria — The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has issued a 72-hour ultimatum to the Ogun State Government, demanding the immediate rescue of abducted students and decisive action to address worsening insecurity on campuses across the state.
The student body warned that it would embark on statewide protests if the government fails to secure the release of the abducted students and implement stronger security measures within the stipulated period. NANS described the recent incidents as deeply disturbing and said the safety of students must remain a top priority for government authorities.
In a statement, the association expressed concern over what it described as increasing cases of insecurity affecting educational institutions, arguing that students should not be forced to pursue their education under constant fear of criminal attacks. It maintained that the continued threat to lives and property within and around campuses could undermine academic activities and discourage learning.
NANS called on the Ogun State Government, security agencies and other relevant stakeholders to intensify efforts to rescue the abducted students without delay. The association also urged authorities to identify and prosecute those responsible for the abduction, stressing that perpetrators must be brought to justice to deter future attacks.
The student organisation further demanded the deployment of additional security personnel to vulnerable institutions, improved surveillance around campuses and stronger collaboration between educational authorities and security agencies. According to NANS, preventive security measures are essential to protecting students, lecturers and other members of academic communities.
The association warned that failure to respond adequately to the situation could trigger peaceful demonstrations across the state. It said the proposed protests would serve as a means of drawing national attention to the growing security challenges confronting students and educational institutions.
NANS emphasised that education can only thrive in a safe and secure environment, noting that persistent insecurity threatens not only academic excellence but also the psychological well-being of students. It urged government officials to treat the issue as an emergency requiring immediate intervention.
Security experts have repeatedly advocated stronger community policing, intelligence gathering and improved security infrastructure around schools as effective strategies for preventing attacks on educational institutions. They argue that sustained collaboration among security agencies, school authorities and host communities is critical to reducing security risks.
The Ogun State Government has consistently maintained its commitment to protecting lives and property, while security agencies continue operations aimed at tackling kidnapping and other violent crimes across the state. Authorities have also encouraged residents to provide credible intelligence that could assist ongoing investigations and rescue operations.
NANS reiterated that its primary concern is the safe return of the abducted students and the restoration of confidence in the security of educational institutions. The association urged all relevant authorities to act swiftly to prevent further attacks and ensure that students can continue their education without fear of violence or abduction.
