Fidelia Soriwei, Abuja
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has issued a 72-hour ultimatum to the Ogun State Government to ensure the rescue of students of Gateway ICT Polytechnic, Saapade, who were abducted by gunmen.
Speaking at a press conference in Abeokuta on Wednesday, NANS Secretary-General, Oladimeji Uthman, warned that the association would begin a statewide protest if the students were not rescued within the deadline.
“Failure to meet these demands within the stipulated 72 hours will leave the national students’ body with no option but to commence a sustained peaceful mass actions and statewide protest.
“This will continue until justice is served and adequate security is guaranteed for every student in Ogun state,” he said.
Uthman also called for the arrest and prosecution of those responsible for the killing of Sekinat Ahmed, an HND II student of D.S. Adegbenro ICT Polytechnic, Itori, who was killed during a robbery attack in the Eruku community on July 27.
According to him, the recent kidnappings, robberies and violent attacks around tertiary institutions have raised concerns about the safety of students across the state.
He urged authorities to strengthen security around campuses through increased patrols, establishment of permanent security posts and deployment of the Ogun Anti-Violent Crime Team to vulnerable institutions.
The student leader further advocated closer collaboration among school authorities, host communities, security agencies and student representatives to address security challenges.
Uthman, however, commended the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, and Governor Dapo Abiodun for deploying an operational police aircraft to support security operations in the state.
He expressed optimism that the aircraft would improve surveillance, intelligence gathering and efforts to secure the release of the abducted students.
The briefing was attended by student leaders from Gateway ICT Polytechnic, Saapade, Olabisi Onabanjo University, D.S. Adegbenro ICT Polytechnic, Itori, and other student union representatives.
Meanwhile, the Ogun State Police Command said it had intensified efforts to rescue the victims.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the command’s spokesperson, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, said security agencies had launched a coordinated operation following reports of the abduction.
Babaseyi stated that tactical teams and intelligence assets had been deployed to ensure the safe rescue of the students and bring those behind the incident to justice.
