By, Omowumi Hannah

The National Association of Oduduwa Students has condemned the abduction of students in Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State, calling on Governor Seyi Makinde and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to secure their immediate release.

In a statement on Friday, NAOS President, Comrade Olalere Benedict Adetunji, described the incident as “heartbreaking, painful, and a dangerous reflection of the growing insecurity in Nigeria.”

According to reports, over 30 of the abducted victims are as young as two years old. The development has left families and communities in grief.

“It is painful that innocent children, whose only dream is to grow, learn, and live peacefully, are now exposed to trauma and fear in the hands of wicked and heartless criminals,” he said.

He warned that the psychological impact of the ordeal could last a lifetime. “The psychological pain and emotional scars these children may suffer could remain with them forever, affecting their love, trust, and belief in society and government,” he stated.

The student body criticized the repeated failure of security agencies despite heavy budgetary allocations. “Nigeria cannot continue to operate a system where criminals repeatedly overpower communities despite the presence of numerous security agencies and heavy security budgets,” he said.

The NAOS urged both state and federal authorities to act without delay. “We call on the Executive Governor of Oyo State, His Excellency Engr. Seyi Makinde, and the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to immediately intensify every security effort necessary to secure the safe and unconditional release of these innocent children.”

The organization demanded a national reset on security. “The Federal Government must urgently declare a total state of emergency on insecurity across the country and ensure that security institutions become more proactive, effective, and accountable,” he stated.

He questioned the current state of national security. “It is unacceptable that bandits and kidnappers continue to terrorize innocent citizens while families live in fear daily. These criminals are not stronger than the Nigerian State. The question many Nigerians continue to ask is: what exactly has gone wrong with our security architecture?”

NAOS warned that public patience was wearing thin. “Before citizens are forced to take to the streets in peaceful protest against insecurity, there must be immediate visible action from both the State and Federal Governments. The lives of Nigerian children matter. Their future matters. Their safety must never be negotiable,”

Meanwhile, the association pledged solidarity with the victims’ families. “NAOS stands firmly with the affected families and the people of Orire Local Government during this painful period, while demanding swift action, justice, and the safe return of all abducted students,” the statement concluded