The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has thrown its weight behind ongoing efforts by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) to secure the release of students and teachers abducted in different parts of the country.
The position was made known on Thursday by NANS President, Akinteye Babatunde, amid growing concerns over attacks on schools and the safety of learners and education workers. He said the student body remains committed to supporting every lawful initiative aimed at rescuing those still in captivity and preventing similar incidents in the future.
According to him, the recent kidnappings have created fear among students, teachers and parents, raising concerns about the future of education in affected communities. He noted that continued insecurity around schools could discourage learning and place more children at risk.
Babatunde said NANS shares the concerns raised by organised labour over the increasing cases of abductions involving students and education personnel. He added that the association would continue working with labour unions, security agencies, parents and community leaders to push for the safe return of the victims.
The student leader praised the actions taken by the NLC and NUT, saying their campaign has helped keep public attention on the plight of the abducted students and teachers. He maintained that the welfare and safety of the victims should remain the central focus of all advocacy efforts.
He also warned against turning the issue into a political contest, insisting that the lives of students and teachers must come before partisan interests. According to him, support from Nigerians is welcome, but such efforts should be driven by genuine concern for the victims and the security of schools.
Babatunde further dismissed reports questioning his status as a student, describing the claims as false. He stated that he remains a student of Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology and urged media organisations to verify information before publication.
He said misinformation could divert attention from the urgent need to tackle insecurity in schools and rescue those still being held. He called on the Federal Government, security agencies and other relevant authorities to act quickly, stressing that every additional day in captivity increases the suffering of the victims and their families.
The statement comes in the wake of the abduction of students and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, an incident that sparked nationwide concern and renewed calls for stronger protection of educational institutions.
Following the attack, the Nigeria Union of Teachers directed its members to begin an indefinite strike, while the Nigeria Labour Congress declared support for the action and demanded urgent government intervention.
NANS had earlier joined advocacy efforts, insisting that the safety of schools and learners must remain a top priority across the country.