The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has issued a 48-hour ultimatum to the Federal Government and the Plateau State Government over the abduction of a University of Jos student.
In a statement released Tuesday and signed by its National President, Olushola Oladoja, the association condemned the incident, warning that failure to act swiftly could trigger nationwide protests.
According to NANS, Arum was kidnapped while travelling to Kaduna, with evidence of his captivity already circulating publicly.
“The National Association of Nigerian Students expresses its utmost grief, outrage, and condemnation over the abduction of one of our own, John Arum, a student of the University of Jos, who was kidnapped while travelling to Kaduna,” the statement read.
The group said images from captivity reveal “duress and inhumane conditions, brutality, and torture,” while the abductors have reportedly demanded ₦30 million as ransom.
Describing the situation as part of a wider security crisis, NANS stated, “The horrifying incident that has happened to John is yet another grim reminder of the steady and unacceptable decline in the safety and security of Nigerian citizens, especially students, who continue to be vulnerable targets of criminal elements across the country.”
The association also criticised what it described as a slow response from authorities, warning that delays could worsen public frustration.
“Silence, delay, or half-measures in moments when decisive and brutal actions are required only embolden perpetrators and deepen public despair,” the statement added.
NANS called for immediate deployment of security and intelligence resources to secure Arum’s release and demanded regular updates on rescue efforts.
It warned that failure to act within 48 hours could lead to nationwide protests and a shutdown of academic and socio-economic activities.
“As an organisation, our demands are bold and very clear, and failure to meet these demands within the stipulated timeframe will compel Nigerian students… to embark on a nationwide solidarity protest and total shutdown of socio-economic and academic activities across the country,” it warned.
Reaffirming its position, Oladoja said the group would not remain passive in the face of rising insecurity.
“Under my leadership, NANS will not remain silent or stand idly while our colleagues are hunted, abducted, and brutalised. It is unacceptable and must not continue. The time for decisive action is now,” he said.
