President Bola Tinubu has directed security agencies to rescue the remaining female students of the Federal University Gusau, Zamfara State, who were abducted by terrorists on Friday.
In a statement through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, the President condemned what he described as a ‘reprehensible act of abduction.’
He stated that there was no moral justification for such crimes against the victims, whose only “offence” was their pursuit of quality education.
The President extended his condolences to affected families and pledged unwavering commitment to safeguard all Nigerians, assuring abducted students’ families that every possible effort will be made for their rescue.
“While the President wholeheartedly commiserates with all families directly impacted by this sad incident, he affirms that his administration has a solemn duty to protect every Nigerian citizen, and in line with this commitment, assures the families of the abducted students that no effort will be spared.”
He also vowed to safeguard educational institutions as havens for learning, growth, and freedom from terrorist threats.
“Furthermore, the President pledges that the Federal Government was determined to ensure that educational institutions remain sanctuaries of knowledge, growth and opportunity and totally free from the menacing acts of terrorists.”
Following the abduction of the students on Friday, a total of 21 students remained in captivity, seven were successfully rescued, and two managed to escape. Stakeholders have also reacted to the development.
The Deputy Governor of Zamfara State, Mani Mummuni, visited the university to offer condolences to the affected families and school authorities, urging security agencies to expedite the rescue mission.
The Zamfara State Police Command, through spokesperson of the Zamfara state Police command, Yazid Abubakar, issued a press statement assuring the public that they were committed to rescuing all the kidnapped students. They disclosed the deployment of an additional tactical team for search-and-rescue operations. The police report outlined the events of September 22, 2023, when suspected bandits, riding about 50 motorcycles and armed with sophisticated weapons, invaded three students’ rented apartments in Sabon Gida Village, kidnapping an unspecified number of students and spiriting them away to an undisclosed location.
Amidst the rising concerns, the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) condemned the abduction, labeling it “one abduction too many.” Expressing deep worry about its implications for girl-child education in the region, the ACF called on the Federal Government to urgently revamp the nation’s security architecture to develop new, multifaceted strategies against insecurity and related threats.
Similarly, Amnesty International called on the Federal Government to investigate the security lapses in Zamfara State that facilitate such abductions.
The Country Director of Amnesty International Nigeria, Isa Sanusi, emphasized that schools should be sanctuaries of safety and that the relentless activities of gunmen cast doubt on the government’s security efforts. He added that the attack on Federal University Gusau and the abduction of students could potentially constitute war crimes and violations of international humanitarian law, threatening the right to education.
“Schools should be places of safety, and no person should have to choose between their education and their life. The Nigerian authorities have repeatedly claimed to be tackling the security situation in Zamfara state, but the ruthless activities of gunmen tell a different story. The attack on Federal University Gusau undermines the right to education,” Sanusi stated.
Adding their voices to the chorus of demands, the Coalition of Northern Groups Students’ Wing urged the immediate establishment of a mini-military barracks at the Federal University Gusau.
Their statement, delivered by North-West Coordinator Muhammad Aliyu, called upon the government to mobilize resources and collaborate with security agencies to secure the prompt and safe release of the abducted students. They emphasized the urgency of the situation and the need for comprehensive security measures, including a mini-military barracks with 24/7 surveillance, upgraded police and NSCDC outposts, and a protective perimeter fence for the university.
Zamfara State has increasingly become a focal point of terror in recent years.
