By Weng Patrick Atokor | Weng Global
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has issued a 72-hour ultimatum to the Ogun State Government, demanding the immediate rescue of students reportedly abducted in the state and urgent action to address the worsening security situation around tertiary institutions.
The association warned that it would mobilise students across Ogun State for peaceful protests if the government fails to secure the release of the victims and introduce concrete measures to curb rising insecurity on campuses within the stipulated period.
The ultimatum follows growing concerns over repeated incidents of kidnapping, armed robbery and other security threats affecting students in and around higher institutions across the state.
In a statement issued by the national leadership of NANS, the association described the abduction as a disturbing development that has left students and their families living in fear. It said educational institutions should remain safe spaces for learning and not become targets for criminal activities.
According to NANS, the safety of students is a constitutional responsibility that must not be compromised. The body stressed that the increasing insecurity around campuses poses a serious threat to academic activities, student welfare and the overall development of the education sector.
The association called on Governor Dapo Abiodun to immediately coordinate with security agencies to ensure the safe rescue of the abducted students. It also urged the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and other relevant agencies to intensify intelligence gathering and rescue operations.
NANS maintained that while it appreciates ongoing security efforts in the state, the latest incident requires swift and decisive intervention to reassure students and parents that their safety remains a priority.
The student body noted that many students now live in constant fear, especially those residing in off-campus hostels and communities where security presence is often limited. It warned that continued attacks could discourage school attendance, disrupt academic calendars and negatively affect the state’s reputation as a destination for higher education.
As part of its demands, NANS urged the Ogun State Government to strengthen security architecture around tertiary institutions by increasing security patrols, deploying more personnel to vulnerable areas, installing surveillance systems and improving collaboration between school authorities and security agencies.
The association also recommended the establishment of emergency response mechanisms, dedicated security hotlines for students and regular security assessments of campuses and surrounding communities.
Parents and education stakeholders have also expressed concern over the rising wave of insecurity affecting students, calling for sustained collaboration between government, security agencies, host communities and institutional management to prevent future attacks.
Security experts say addressing campus insecurity requires proactive intelligence gathering, community policing and rapid response to threats rather than reactive measures after incidents occur.
NANS reiterated that its planned protest remains a last resort but insisted it would not hesitate to mobilise students if authorities fail to demonstrate meaningful progress before the expiration of the 72-hour deadline.
The association added that Nigerian students deserve to pursue their education in a secure environment without fear of abduction or violence, urging the government to treat the matter with the urgency it deserves.
As of the time of filing this report, the Ogun State Government had not officially responded to the ultimatum, while security agencies had yet to provide detailed updates on the rescue operation or ongoing investigations.
Observers say the coming days will be critical as authorities work to secure the release of the abducted students and restore public confidence in the safety of tertiary institutions across Ogun State.
Sources:
- Punch Newspaper
- Vanguard
- The Guardian Nigeria
- Nigerian Tribune
- National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS)
