The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has cautioned against calls for statewide strikes and mass protests over the abduction of teachers and pupils in Oyo State, warning that such actions could undermine ongoing efforts to secure the victims’ safe release.
Background of the Incident
The student body was reacting to a call by the Campaign for Democratic and Workers’ Rights (CDWR), which urged the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) to embark on strikes and mass protests over the incident.
In a statement signed by its National President, Comrade Akinteye Babatunde Afeez, NANS acknowledged the constitutional rights of citizens and groups to freedom of expression and association, but stressed that such rights must be exercised with caution and responsibility, especially in situations involving the lives of abducted children and teachers.
Safety of Victims as Priority
According to the association, while the pain and outrage generated by the abduction are understandable, the safety of the victims must remain the overriding priority.
“Without an iota of doubt, it is heartbreaking to see children sent to school by their parents and guardians end up as pawns in the hands of kidnappers,” the statement read.
NANS maintained that no responsible government, particularly in an election year, would deliberately ignore the plight of abducted schoolchildren or fail to intensify efforts towards their rescue.
Warning Against Industrial Actions
The association warned that shutting down the country through industrial actions and protests could embolden criminal elements and create further instability at a delicate moment.
“Rather than call on labour unions to shut down the country, which is exactly what these terrorists seek to achieve, Nigerians should unite against terrorism and support all lawful efforts aimed at rescuing the victims,” it stated.
International Comparisons
Drawing comparisons with international responses to terrorism, NANS referenced Israel’s reaction to the 2023 Hamas attacks, noting that despite the killing and abduction of citizens, Israelis rallied around their government while negotiations and rescue efforts continued.
“In some cases, it took several months before the last batch of hostages regained freedom. God forbid that our children spend a day longer than necessary in captivity,” the association added.
Call for Unity
The student body also urged Nigerians not to allow fear and insecurity to deepen divisions within the country, recalling how the nation survived difficult periods in its history, including the civil war and predictions of national collapse.
“If Nigerians were able to unite against predictions of disintegration in 2015, we can also unite against terrorism in 2026,” NANS said.
The association further stressed that insecurity should not be seen solely as the government’s responsibility, insisting that citizens, communities, institutions, and stakeholders all have roles to play in confronting terrorism and criminality.
“Nigeria is a blessed country. This is the time for unity, vigilance, and collective resolve. We must stand together against terrorism and work towards ending this menace once and for all,” the statement added.
