In a Tuesday statement signed by its National President, Olushola Oladoja, the student body expressed outrage over the incident, describing it as a reflection of worsening insecurity across the country.
NANS said Arum was kidnapped while travelling to Kaduna, with disturbing 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.
It added that visuals from captivity showed “duress and inhumane conditions, brutality, and torture,” while the abductors have reportedly demanded a ransom of ₦30 million.
The association described the development as a troubling indicator of the country’s deteriorating security situation, particularly for students.
“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,” it stated.
NANS further criticised what it called the slow and inadequate response of security agencies and government authorities, warning that inaction could deepen 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.
The association demanded immediate deployment of intelligence and security resources to secure Arum’s release, alongside regular public updates on rescue efforts.
It also called for broader measures to tackle kidnapping and violent crimes nationwide.
“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 stance, NANS said it would not remain silent while students continue to face abduction and violence.
“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,” Oladoja said.
Leave a comment