The Management of the Federal University, Gusau, has called on the Federal Government to accelerate efforts to secure the release of the remaining abducted female students of the institution who are still in captivity.
During a one-day interactive session with the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Student Engagement on Safe School Initiatives, Sunday Adebayo, the Dean of Student Affairs, Dr. Lawal Saad, stated the urgency of rescuing the abducted students.
Dr. Saad pointed out the increasing concern over student abductions in Zamfara State and stated the need for enhanced security measures and targeted interventions to protect students’ lives and restore safety and confidence in the education system.
He said, “The Concern of the Federal University, Gusau is for the government to speed up the efforts towards ensuring the rescue of the female students of the institution who are still in captivity.”
Saad noted that the university has experienced seven kidnapping incidents from April 2023 to January 2024, noting that it has instilled fear and uncertainty among students, parents, and educators, and jeopardizes the fundamental right to education.
Also speaking at the event, the Zamfara State Commissioner for Education, Science, and Technology, Wadatau Madawaki, reiterated the state government’s commitment to collaborating with the Federal Government to address the kidnapping of students and staff in schools and provide a peaceful learning environment.
“Addressing the issue of student abductions in Zamfara State requires a multifaceted approach that combines immediate security measures with long-term strategies to address the root causes of insecurity and promote sustainable peace and stability,” the Commissioner said.
In his response, Sunday Adebayo assured that the government was dedicated to rescuing the remaining abducted female students of the University and urged their parents to remain calm, stating that the government was actively working on the matter.
The interactive session, attended by stakeholders from secondary and tertiary institutions, state government officials, and representatives of student associations, commended security agencies for their efforts against banditry and urged them to intensify efforts to end school kidnappings, which create fear and hinder learning.
Federal University Gusau urges Nigerian Govt to hasten rescue of abducted female students
