By Damilare Adeleye
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has condemned the kidnapping of over 20 medical students from the University of Maiduguri and the University of Jos, in Benue State.
It was reported on Friday that over 20 medical and dental students and a House Officer were kidnapped in Benue State while en route to the Federation of Catholic Medical and Dental Students (FECAMDS) annual convention in Enugu.
The students, from the University of Maiduguri and University of Jos, were travelling together when they were ambushed by gunmen around 5:30pm in the Otukpo area of Benue State.
The State Police Command confirmed the incident on Friday morning, sparking concerns for the safety of the abducted students.
Reacting in a statement on Friday, the students body called on the security agencies to ensure that the students were rescued unharmed.NANS in the statement issued by its Senate President, Okunomo Henry Adewumi on Friday in Kano, expressed its readiness to engage the federal government to address the unabated kidnapping going on in the country.
“This heinous act is a stark reminder of the growing insecurity in our nation, echoing the recent abduction and killing of passengers in Ondo State, as well as the brutal murder of a farmer at Oba Akoko in Ondo State by herdsmen.
“We express our deepest sympathy and solidarity with the victims and their families, and demand that the government takes immediate and proactive measures to address these senseless acts of violence and prevent future occurrences.
“As the representative body of Nigerian students, NANS is committed to advocating for students’ safety and welfare.
“We remind the government of its obligations under the right to education and the national security strategy to ensure the safety and security of all citizens, particularly students.
“We call for immediate rescue of the abducted individuals, increased security presence in vulnerable areas of Benue and Ondo States, improved intelligence gathering, sharing enhanced protection for schools, medical facilities, and communities,” the union demanded.
While calling for prosecution of perpetrators and their collaborators among security forces, educational institutions, government agencies, NANS urged Governors of the affected states to work closely with federal authorities to address the security challenges in their states.