The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has condemned in strong terms the abduction of six (6) schoolchildren in Emure Ekiti, Ekiti State, and called for the immediate release of their abductors.
NANS President, Comrade Lucky Emonefe, described as unacceptable a situation where pupils and students have now become soft targets for the nefarious activities of the bandits, saying security agencies must stop at nothing to ensure immediate rescue of the pupils from captivity.
On Monday evening, the pupils, along with three teachers and a bus driver, were kidnapped while on their way to Eporo-Ekiti.
Reacting to the development in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja, Emonefe called on the Federal Government to give the issue of safety and well-being of students more serious attention.
“We express our disapproval of this terrible act and emphasise that the continuous abduction and assault on students by armed bandits is an attempt to instil fear in the minds of young Nigerians who are eager to acquire knowledge.
“Education is a fundamental right, and every child deserves a safe and conducive learning environment. The constant threat of abduction and violence not only disrupts the education system but also traumatises students and their families.
“It is crucial for the government to prioritise the safety and well-being of students and take proactive measures to address the security challenges facing the nation.
“NANS demands that the government take immediate action to ensure the safe return of the abducted schoolchildren and all other hostages across the nation and bring the perpetrators to justice. We also call for increased security measures in schools and the surrounding communities to prevent future incidents.
“We stand in solidarity with the affected families and the entire Nigerian student community, and we will continue to advocate for the safety and well-being of students across the country,” he stated.
