The Coalition of Northern Groups Students’ Wing (CNG-SW), an umbrella body of all Northern Nigeria students studying in Nigeria and in the Diaspora, in reaction to the kidnap of female students of Federal University Gusau, Zamfara State, has demanded for their rescue by the federal government.
In a statement signed by Northwest coordinator, Muhammad Bello Aliyu, and made available to LEADERSHIP in Abuja, yesterday, it demanded that the government mobilise all necessary resources and collaborate with relevant security agencies to rescue the abducted students without further delay.
While noting that time is of the essence, Aliyu said every effort must be made to ensure their prompt and safe return, adding that the trauma and anguish endured by the affected students, their families, and the entire education community cannot be overstated. He said that the group is standing in solidarity with the abducted students and vowed to do everything within its power to support their cause.
He urged the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to lend their voice to this cause and actively engage with the government to ensure that educational institutions are safe for both students and staff, adding that the safety of students should be a top priority for all stakeholders in the education sector. He also called on state governments to collaborate with the federal government in devising strategies to safeguard schools.
The students’ North West coordinator also demanded the establishment of a mini military barrack, that will provide adequate security cover, 24/7 surveillance, for Federal University, Gusau and its host community.
“We also demand for deployment of adequate and well-equipped troops to the barracks. Similarly, we request for the upgrade of the police and NSCDC Out-post to a divisional station with adequate personnel and sophisticated weapons to foil attacks and prevent subsequent invasion. The construction of perimeter fence to protect the university from free invasion and attacks. Training and provision of adequate equipment for university; that will help them to be able to resist attacks,” he said.
He said the North-West chapter of the Students’ Wing of the Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG), condemned in the strongest terms this brazen act of violence and called on the government to take immediate and decisive action to ensure the safe release of the abducted students. He said it is disheartening to witness the recurring cycle of violence and insecurity that continues to plague educational institutions and threaten the future of young people.
