The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has advised labour unions and civil society organisations against embarking on strikes or mass protests in response to the recent kidnapping of teachers and pupils in Oyo State, warning that such actions could unintentionally advance the agenda of criminal groups.
In a statement issued by its National President, Comrade Akinteye Babatunde Afeez, the student body expressed concern over appeals by the Campaign for Democratic and Workers’ Rights (CDWR), which urged the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) to initiate a statewide industrial action and organise public demonstrations.
Although NANS acknowledged the constitutional rights of individuals and groups to freely express their opinions and associate with others, it emphasised that those rights should be exercised responsibly, particularly at a time when the safety of abducted teachers and schoolchildren remains uncertain.
The association described the incident as tragic and distressing, stressing that children who were sent to school in pursuit of education have instead become targets of criminals seeking to achieve their aims through fear and intimidation.
According to NANS, suspending economic and social activities through strikes may ultimately benefit kidnappers and terrorist groups whose intention is to create instability, generate fear among citizens, and weaken public confidence.
The student organisation maintained that the situation requires unity and collective support rather than actions capable of escalating anxiety and division within society.
NANS also stated that governments, especially during sensitive political periods, are unlikely to ignore the plight of citizens being held captive. The association expressed confidence that efforts are underway to secure the release of the victims and bring the situation under control.
Drawing comparisons with experiences from other nations facing security challenges, NANS noted that citizens often unite behind government efforts during periods of crisis instead of allowing divisions to undermine coordinated responses to threats.
The body further encouraged Nigerians to regard the battle against terrorism and insecurity as a shared national duty rather than a responsibility that rests solely on government agencies. It argued that national unity remains one of the most effective tools in confronting security challenges.
Reflecting on Nigeria’s past, NANS recalled how the country overcame the difficulties of the civil war despite predictions that it would break apart. The association said the same determination and resilience can be applied in tackling terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping across the country.
“The lives of the abducted teachers and pupils are paramount. This is a moment for caution, unity, and collective resolve, not actions that could embolden those holding innocent Nigerians captive,” the statement said.
NANS therefore appealed to Nigerians regardless of political affiliation, ethnicity, or social background to remain united against terrorism and support ongoing efforts aimed at ensuring the safe return of the abducted teachers and pupils while improving security in schools nationwide.
