The National Association of Nigerian Students has condemned the abduction of a student of the University of Jos, John Arum, who was reportedly abducted while travelling to Kaduna, with the abductors demanding a ransom of N30m.

The NANS National President, Olushola Oladoja, in a statement on Tuesday, expressed outrage over the incident, describing it as a reflection of the deteriorating security situation in the country.

NANS said disturbing evidence of the student’s captivity had surfaced in the public domain, showing the conditions under which he is being held and the inhumane treatment meted out to him.

The association stated that the slow response of the authorities towards the student’s plight has also raised concerns.

“It is disturbing and highly challenging to acknowledge that such inhumane treatment can be meted out by one human to another.

“However, what is more perplexing is the apathy and weak response of our security institutions and local authorities at the state and federal levels,” the statement read.

Oladoja described the incident as a reminder of the growing insecurity in Nigeria, particularly the vulnerability of students to criminal activities, and called for urgent intervention by relevant authorities to address both the immediate situation and the broader security challenges facing the country.

He continued, “The horrifying incident that has happened to John is yet another reminder of the steady and unacceptable decline in the safety and security of Nigerian citizens, especially students.

“No Nigerian student should have to endure such acts of wickedness, cruelty, and dehumanising experience, just as no family should be left in anguish due to negligence.

“Silence, delay, or half-measures in moments when decisive action is required only embolden perpetrators and deepen public despair.”

NANS demanded the immediate deployment of intelligence and security resources to secure Arum’s safe release, as well as regular updates to the public on efforts being made, while issuing a 48-hour ultimatum to the Federal Government and the Plateau State Government.

He also called for intensified measures to address the rising cases of kidnapping, abduction, and killings across the country.

“As an organisation, our demands are clear, and failure to meet them within the stipulated timeframe will compel Nigerian students to embark on a nationwide solidarity protest and shutdown of socio-economic and academic activities,” the statement warned.

Oladoja concluded that the association would not remain silent while students continue to face threats to their safety, urging authorities to take decisive action. (The PUNCH)

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