Student unions in Nigeria, on Tuesday, urged the Federal Government to rescue abducted students and prosecute all sponsors and collaborators of recent attacks, as insecurity continues to escalate across the country.
The National Association of Oduduwà Students, in conjunction with the Office of the Senate President of the National Association of Polytechnic Students, made this appeal during a world press conference held at the Federal Cooperative College, Eleyele in Ibadan, Oyo State capital.
Speaking on behalf of the students, the National President of NAOS, Benedict Adetunji, expressed deep concern over the rising wave of kidnappings, killings, and targeted bandit attacks on communities and schools nationwide.
The governors of the South-West region, also in Ibadan, on Monday, called on the Federal Government to urgently secure the forest across the region and vast forest belts that have become hideouts for the criminal elements.
Governors Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo), and Biodun Oyebanji (Ekiti) were personally in attendance, except Ademola Adeleke of Osun state, who was represented by his deputy.
The students said, “The attacks on Eruku Church in Kwara State and St. Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri, Niger State, are not isolated incidents. They represent a direct assault on the nation’s moral fabric, religious freedom, and educational foundations.
“We demand the immediate launch of a national rescue operation to ensure the safe return of all abducted students, teachers, and worshippers. Our children cannot continue to be held hostage while the nation stands by.”
The unions also called for reinforced security around schools and places of worship nationwide, particularly in high-risk communities, including armed patrols, rapid-response units, and community-linked intelligence networks.
“Every Nigerian student and worshipper must feel safe in their school or place of worship. Negotiations, ransom payments, and silent settlements must stop. Terrorists should face justice, not discussions,” he said.
Also speaking, the NAPS Senate President, Oyewumi Ayomide, warned that persistent insecurity in Nigeria is “unacceptable and unsustainable.”
Highlighting recent attacks, including the abduction of 25 female students at Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, Kebbi State, and the killings of farmers and worshippers in Borno and Kwara States, Ayomide described the situation as a national emergency.
The unions also urged the Yoruba Royal Fathers, including the Oni of Ife, Alaafin of Oyo, and Olubadan of Ibadan, to engage directly with the President in finding solutions, while spiritual leaders must speak out against rising attacks to inspire hope and unity.
“We are more than the terrorists. Enough is enough. Nigeria must rise to protect its people. The time for speeches has passed; what is needed now is decisive action
