Student Unions Demand Urgent Rescue of Abducted Students as Insecurity Worsens Nationwide

Student bodies across Nigeria have issued a strong call to the Federal Government to immediately rescue abducted students and prosecute the masterminds behind the rising wave of attacks, as insecurity intensifies across the country.

The demand was made on Tuesday during a world press conference jointly addressed by the National Association of Oduduwà Students (NAOS) and the Office of the Senate President of the National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS). The event was held at the Federal Cooperative College, Eleyele, Ibadan, Oyo State.

Speaking on behalf of the unions, NAOS National President, Benedict Adetunji, expressed grave concern over what he described as an alarming escalation in kidnappings, killings, and targeted attacks on schools and communities.

He noted that recent incidents — including the invasion of Eruku Church in Kwara State and the attack on St. Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri, Niger State — were clear threats to the nation’s values, religious freedom, and education system.

“These attacks are direct assaults on our moral fabric and our future. We demand an immediate national rescue operation to secure the release of all abducted students, teachers, and worshippers. Nigeria cannot continue to watch its children being held hostage,” he said.

The statement comes a day after South-West governors met in Ibadan, where they urged the Federal Government to secure forests in the region that have become hideouts for criminal groups. Governors Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo), and Biodun Oyebanji (Ekiti) attended the meeting, while Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke was represented by his deputy.

NAPS Senate President, Oyewumi Ayomide, described the nation’s current security situation as “unacceptable and unsustainable,” citing the abduction of 25 female students from Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, Kebbi State, as well as recent killings of farmers and worshippers in Borno and Kwara States.

The unions called for reinforced security around schools and worship centres, especially in vulnerable communities. They recommended armed patrols, rapid-response units, and stronger community intelligence systems.

They further urged Yoruba traditional rulers — including the Ooni of Ife, Alaafin of Oyo, and Olubadan of Ibadan — to engage the President directly in seeking lasting solutions. Spiritual leaders were also encouraged to speak boldly against the rising violence.

“We are more than the terrorists. Enough is enough. Nigeria must rise to protect its people. The era of speeches is over — what the nation needs now is decisive action,” they declared.