The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has renewed its call on the Federal Government and security agencies to intensify efforts to secure the rescue and safe return of students and teachers abducted in Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State, who have now spent 56 days in captivity.
On May 15, 2026, gunmen abducted 39 students and seven teachers in Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State. Nearly two months after the incident, the victims remain in captivity despite repeated calls from stakeholders for their rescue and safe return.
In a press statement published on his official X account on Thursday, NANS President, Akinteye Babatunde Afeez, described the prolonged captivity of the victims as "both traumatic and tragic," warning that continued delay in securing their release threatens the hopes and futures of the affected students. He emphasized that the nation cannot continue to remain silent and go about its daily activities as though everything is normal while the victims remain in captivity.
While commending the Federal Government and security operatives for their efforts so far, the student body maintained that more decisive action is required to ensure the victims regain their freedom.
“As a matter of urgency, the government must intensify efforts to secure their immediate rescue and safe return”. He said
NANS further called on all relevant authorities and security agencies to intensify rescue operations, not only for those abducted in Oyo State but also for victims of similar incidents across the country, emphasizing that “the security of lives and property is a fundamental and sacred responsibility of every responsible government and must, at all costs, be protected.”