Key Takeaways
- The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has issued a 72-hour ultimatum to the Ogun State Government.
- NANS demands the immediate rescue of abducted students from Gateway ICT Polytechnic, Saapade, and the prosecution of those responsible for a student's killing.
- The student body threatens a sustained statewide protest if its demands are not met within the stipulated deadline.
- Calls include increased security patrols, permanent security posts, and stronger collaboration among stakeholders.
- Ogun State Police Command confirms intensified rescue operations and deployment of tactical teams.
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has delivered a stern 72-hour ultimatum to the Ogun State Government, demanding urgent action to address the escalating insecurity threatening students across the state. The student body's demand centers on the immediate rescue of abducted students from Gateway ICT Polytechnic, Saapade, and the swift prosecution of individuals implicated in the killing of a student from D.S. Adegbenro ICT Polytechnic, Itori.
Speaking at a press conference in Abeokuta on Wednesday, NANS Secretary-General, Oladimeji Uthman, underscored the gravity of the situation. He highlighted that the recent spate of kidnappings, robberies, and violent attacks paints a grim picture of the security landscape surrounding tertiary institutions in Ogun State, casting a shadow over the safety and well-being of thousands of students.
Escalating Insecurity Prompts Student Action
The ultimatum follows a series of distressing incidents, including the tragic death 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. This incident, coupled with the recent abductions, has ignited widespread fear and outrage among the student community, prompting NANS to take a decisive stand.
Uthman unequivocally warned that if the state government fails to meet these critical demands within the 72-hour deadline, NANS would be left with "no option but to commence a sustained peaceful mass actions and statewide protest." He emphasized that such actions would continue "until justice is served and adequate security is guaranteed for every student in Ogun state." The briefing saw attendance from student leaders representing Gateway ICT Polytechnic, Saapade, Olabisi Onabanjo University, D.S. Adegbenro ICT Polytechnic, Itori, and other union representatives, signaling a united front.
A Call for Systemic Security Reforms
Beyond the immediate rescue and prosecution, NANS has put forth a comprehensive set of demands aimed at bolstering long-term security. These include the urgent deployment of increased security patrols around campuses, the establishment of permanent security posts in vulnerable areas, and the strategic deployment of the Ogun Anti-Violent Crime Team to campuses deemed high-risk. The association also stressed the imperative for stronger collaboration among educational institutions, host communities, security agencies, and student leaders to foster a more secure environment.
While expressing hope, Uthman commended the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, and Governor Dapo Abiodun for their proactive step in deploying an operational police aircraft to strengthen security operations. He voiced optimism that this aerial asset would significantly enhance surveillance capabilities, intelligence gathering, and ultimately aid in the rescue operations for the abducted students.
Government and Police Response
In response to the escalating crisis, the Ogun State Police Command confirmed on Thursday that it is intensifying rescue operations. DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, the command’s spokesperson, issued a statement detailing a coordinated response launched by the police and other security agencies immediately after receiving the distress report. Babaseyi affirmed that tactical teams and intelligence assets have been strategically deployed to facilitate the safe rescue of the victims and to apprehend those responsible for these heinous acts, assuring the public of their commitment to restoring peace and safety.
Why This Matters
The persistent threat of insecurity around tertiary institutions in Ogun State, as highlighted by NANS's ultimatum, underscores a critical challenge to the educational sector and the overall well-being of young Nigerians. Ensuring the safety of students is paramount not only for their academic pursuits but also for fostering a stable and productive future generation, demanding sustainable and collaborative security solutions from all levels of government and community stakeholders.