Ibadan, Oyo State — The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has intensified efforts to secure the release of students and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, with its President, Comrade Akinteye Babatunde Afeez, leading a delegation to the Oyo State Police Command Headquarters for high-level discussions with the Commissioner of Police, CP Abimbola Ayodeji.
During the meeting, the NANS President strongly condemned the abduction, describing it as a heinous attack on the educational community and the future of the nation. He disclosed that the continued captivity of the victims had compelled him to temporarily relocate the activities of the NANS national leadership to Oyo State as part of efforts to mobilize support and advocate for their immediate rescue.
Akinteye explained that the student body’s mission to Oyo State was aimed at engaging government authorities and security agencies, while also identifying with the families of the victims and visiting the affected schools.
According to him, NANS remains committed to its mandate of protecting and advancing the interests of Nigerian students through responsible and structured engagement.
“We are deeply saddened by this unfortunate incident. However, we cannot afford to allow these terrorists to win. This has become a collective struggle for all of us. Rather than engage in blame-shifting, this is a time for unity, collaboration, and collective action to bring an end to this tragedy,” he said.
The student leader commended the sacrifices of security personnel involved in rescue efforts and urged them to intensify operations toward ensuring the safe return of the abducted students and teachers. He also called for stronger security measures around schools and educational institutions across the state and country.
Responding, Oyo State Commissioner of Police, CP Abimbola Ayodeji, reportedly praised the current leadership of NANS for what he described as a mature, responsible, and ideology-driven approach to advocacy.
The police chief emphasized the need for all stakeholders to support security agencies in their efforts to rescue the victims, noting that the situation required collective action rather than political exploitation.
He stressed that the abduction was a matter of public concern that should not be used for political advantage, adding that activism and journalism have distinct roles in addressing societal issues.
CP Ayodeji assured the NANS delegation that security agencies were working tirelessly to secure the immediate release of the abducted students and teachers. He noted that law enforcement personnel shared the pain of the victims’ families and remained committed to achieving a positive outcome.
The Commissioner further pledged that security operatives would continue to deploy all available resources to ensure the safe return of the victims and restore confidence in public safety.
The visit forms part of ongoing advocacy and pressure from stakeholders following the abduction in Oriire Local Government Area, an incident that has sparked widespread concern among students, parents, labour groups, and civil society organizations across Oyo State.
NANS reiterated its commitment to standing with affected families while pursuing all lawful avenues to ensure that the abducted students and teachers regain their freedom.
