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In what can only be described as an unfunny episode of “Campus Survivor,” the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has raised the alarm over the rising cases of student abductions, calling on the Federal Government to restore security in tertiary institutions.
The latest tragedy struck Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi, where three 100-level female engineering students were whisked away on February 25 while returning from a night study session. Their abductors, apparently majoring in “Criminal Entrepreneurship,” reportedly emerged from a nearby bush to execute their sinister project.
NANS, through its National Vice President for Inter-Campus Affairs, Felicia Akinbodunse, has now taken the megaphone, declaring that enough is enough. In a statement on Sunday, she lamented the ugly trend, stating:
“NANS is alarmed at the rate at which students are being abducted on campuses of tertiary institutions in the country. This is not only worrisome but an ugly trend that needs to be arrested before it spirals out of control.”
And honestly, she’s not wrong. Gone are the days when the biggest worry for students was a tough exam question or unexpected semester extension. Now, the real battle is making it through a night study session without an unsolicited invitation into the forest.
Akinbodunse painted a vivid picture of the distressing situation, noting that what used to be safe learning environments have now become “fertile grounds” for kidnappers. And in case security operatives were considering a casual approach to this issue, she didn’t hold back:
“While we condemn this act of wickedness and demand the release of the kidnapped students unhurt, we equally urge the Federal Government, the Benue State Government, and security agencies to ensure the safe return of these students.”
The university management has since suspended academic activities, a move that NANS commended but also described as a half-measure. According to Akinbodunse, campus security must be strengthened, especially at night, to prevent a repeat of such horrors.
Meanwhile, the student body has a message for the authorities: Do something, and do it fast! Otherwise, NANS may soon be hitting the streets in a nationwide protest.
With all this happening, one can’t help but wonder: At this rate, should students be given hazard allowances alongside their tuition bills?
