NANS backs NLC, NUT protests demanding rescue of abducted students

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has publicly reaffirmed its commitment to securing the safe return of abducted students and teachers nationwide. The student body declared its full support for the ongoing advocacy efforts led by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), which aim to bring an end to the troubling trend of school abductions.

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The safety of students and teachers must remain a national priority. NANS will continue to support every legitimate effort aimed at securing the release of those in captivity and preventing future occurrences.

NANS President Akinteye Babatunde stated in Abuja that the association remains steadfast in its mission to ensure the freedom of all kidnapped students and educators. He highlighted NANS's continuous engagement with relevant authorities and its efforts to mobilize broader support for rescue operations. Babatunde acknowledged the serious concerns voiced by organized labor, particularly the NLC and NUT, regarding the persistent incidents of kidnappings targeting educational institutions and personnel.

"The safety of students and teachers must remain a national priority," Babatunde asserted. He warned that the escalating insecurity, marked by recent attacks on schools and education workers, is creating widespread fear among students and parents. This climate of fear, he cautioned, could severely undermine access to education if immediate and decisive action is not taken. "Education cannot thrive in an atmosphere of fear," he added, stressing that the nation's future is at risk when students fear attending school and teachers fear for their safety.

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Education cannot thrive in an atmosphere of fear. When students are afraid to go to school and teachers are uncertain of their safety, the future of the country is placed at risk. This is why all stakeholders must unite to confront this challenge.

NANS is actively working alongside labor unions, parents, community leaders, and security agencies to maintain pressure on the government until all abductees are rescued. Babatunde commended the NLC and NUT for their vocal advocacy, noting that their efforts have successfully drawn national attention to the victims' plight and the urgent need for enhanced school security measures. He emphasized that the focus must remain on the welfare of the victims and their families, urging stakeholders to unite against this challenge rather than engaging in political divisions or grandstanding.

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We commend the NLC and the NUT for standing up for the rights and safety of teachers and students. Their advocacy has helped draw national attention to the plight of the victims and the urgent need for stronger protection of schools.

While reaffirming support for the rescue campaign, Babatunde made a point to distance NANS from groups he characterized as politically affiliated. He insisted that the primary objective of the campaign is the safe return of every abducted child and teacher, and that political considerations should not distract from this crucial goal. The association's core concern, he reiterated, is the well-being of the victims and their families who are enduring immense pain and uncertainty.

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This is not the time for division or grandstanding. Our concern is the safe return of every abducted child and teacher. We must keep the focus on the victims and their families who are going through immense pain and uncertainty.