Obi has demanded that the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigerian Police Force, the Federal Government, and all other pertinent security agencies move quickly to guarantee the students’ safe and prompt return.
In response to the kidnapping of more than 20 medical and dental students and a house officer while they were en route to the Federation of Catholic Medical and Dental Students (FECAMDS) annual convention in Enugu, the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has voiced grave concern.
Pedro Obi, the country’s president, signed a statement making the request.
On August 15, 2024, gunmen ambushed the students from the Universities of Maiduguri and Jos in the Otukpo district of Benue State.
Obi has demanded that the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigerian Police Force, the Federal Government, and all other pertinent security agencies move quickly to guarantee the students’ safe and prompt return.
“This incident is not just a devastating blow to the families and institutions involved but also a tragic reflection of the worsening security situation across our nation,” Obi said.
“As students, we are the future of Nigeria, and such an attack on us is an attack on the very future of this great nation.”
Obi emphasized the need for more robust and effective security measures across the country, stating that “we cannot continue to live in fear, where students and citizens are unsafe traveling within their own country.”
NANS has offered its full support to the affected families and demands immediate action and reassurance from the Federal Government that the safety of Nigerian students is a top priority.
“The time to act is now. We stand in solidarity with the affected families and will not rest until our abducted colleagues are rescued”, he said.