The kidnapping of students from Gateway ICT Polytechnic in Saapade, Ogun State, has been denounced by the National Association of Nigerian Students, which characterizes the event as another alarming indication of the growing insecurity surrounding higher education.
The student organization urged the federal government, the Ogun State government, and security services to guarantee the prompt rescue of the kidnapped students while bolstering campus security across the country in a statement signed by its president, Akinteye Babatunde, on Friday.
Following an attack on a private hostel on Paraga Road in Ipara on Wednesday night, the association stated it learned of the kidnapping of students with “deep sorrow and grave concern.”
The incident occurred just days after another security breach at D.S. Adegbenro ICT Polytechnic, Itori, where Ahmed Sekinat, an HND II student, was killed during a robbery attack and other others were injured, according to NANS.
The student body claimed that Ogun State students were terrified as a result of the consecutive assaults.
As the top leadership of Nigerian students tasked with safeguarding the welfare and interests of students nationwide and abroad, we vehemently denounce this abhorrent assault on the security and safety of Nigerian students.
The statement said, “It is unacceptable that, in a matter of days, two postsecondary 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.”
According to the association, students shouldn’t have to put their lives in danger to further their education.
“No student should have to compromise their safety in order to pursue knowledge; education is a right.” We cannot watch helplessly while our campuses turn into havens for kidnapping and other criminal activity. Students’ safety cannot be compromised,” it continued.
In order to ensure the safe and unconditional release of the kidnapped students, NANS encouraged the Nigerian Police Force, the Department of State Services, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, the Nigerian Army, and other pertinent security agencies to use every resource at their disposal.
It emphasized that authorities must take steps to stop similar attacks in addition to rescue operations.
“Adequate measures are put in place to prevent similar occurrences in the future, while all necessary resources must be deployed to secure their safe and unconditional release,” the association stated.
The student body insisted that the government offer ongoing security measures for students both on and off campus, arguing that repeated assurances following assaults were no longer adequate.
In order to lessen the security dangers that come with living in distant private hostels, it also urged governments to make investments in reasonably priced on-campus housing.
According to NANS, “the government must recognize 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.”
Until the kidnapped students are rescued and long-term security measures are put in place throughout postsecondary institutions, the association promised to keep interacting with the appropriate authorities.
“We firmly hold to the hope of the abducted students’ safe and immediate return, and our thoughts and prayers remain with them and their families,” the statement continued.
According to reports, on Wednesday night, students from Gateway ICT Polytechnic in Saapade were kidnapped by suspected gunmen who assaulted a private dormitory on Paraga Road in Ipara-Remo.
The Ogun State Police Command initiated a joint rescue effort with other security agencies after the attack, and the university delayed Thursday’s exam.
Although police stated that investigations were underway to determine the precise number of victims, the Students’ Union Government acknowledged that five students had been kidnapped.
