National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has condemned in strong terms the kidnapping of a 300-level student of Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin, Kwara, Gideon Akindoyo, in Irele community, Ondo and called for the immediate release of the student.
Akidoyo, who traveled home from school in Kwara, for his foodstuff was said to be abducted while working on his father’s farm by some unknown people.
In a statement issued and signed by the NANS Senate President, Henry Okunomo, who called for the intervention of the state government and security agencies in the state to ensure the release of the abducted student.
Okunomo explained that information gathered through a community leader Dr Adekugbe Erik, indicated that the student had traveled home to gather foodstuffs from his community, before he was abducted while working on his father’s farm.
The disappearance of the Akindoyo, according to the community leader, coincided with an attack by the Igbobini community, resulting in destroyed homes and properties.
Akindoyo abduction was, however, linked with the Cold War between the two communities while the students’ body called on the state governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa to intervene in the crisis in the interest of peace.
The NANS, however, demanded the unconditional release of the student, Akindoyo, urging the leadership of both Irele and Igbobini communities to produce the student, either dead or alive, within the next 72 hours.
The statement read: “The Senate Secretariat of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), has been alerted by the disturbing incident of a 300-level student of Kwara State Polytechnic who was kidnapped in Irele community, Ondo.
“According to information gathered from the National President of Irele Local Government Students and a community leader Dr. Adekugbe Erik, the student had traveled home to gather foodstuffs from his community, only to be abducted while working on his father’s farm.
“The community leader reported that the student’s disappearance coincided with an attack by the Igbobini community, resulting in destroyed homes and properties”
The student group, however, said “We categorically demand that the leadership of both Irele and Igbobini communities produce the student, either dead or alive, within the next 72 hours.
“Failure to do so will compel us to relocate the NANS secretariat to the affected communities, where we will remain until the student’s safe return is secured.
“We also urge the Executive Governor of Ondo State to intervene promptly and employ all necessary measures to resolve the protracted crisis between the two local governments.
“The safety and security of our members are non-negotiable, and we will not hesitate to take drastic action if our demands are not met”.
