The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has condemned the abduction of six school children and their teachers in Ekiti State and called on the government to ensure their immediate and safe return.
The umbrella body of Nigerian students also called for increased security measures in schools and surrounding communities to prevent future occurrences.
NANS National President, Lucky Emonefe, stated this in a statement on Wednesday.
Emonefe cautioned that if left unchecked, the surge in kidnapping across the country could increase the over 20 million out-of-school children in Nigeria, as pupils would be scared of going to school.
“We express our disapproval of this terrible act and emphasize that the continuous abduction and assault on students by armed bandits is an attempt to instill 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 traumatizes students and their families.
“It is crucial for the government to prioritize 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.”
