NANS President, Oladoja Condemns John Arum’s Abduction, Issues 48-Hour Ultimatum for Student’s Rescue
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has condemned the abduction of John Arum, a Nigerian student of the University of Jos, describing the kidnap as disturbing and a further sign of the worsening insecurity affecting ordinary citizens, particularly students.
In a statement released by the student body’s President, Comrade Olusola Oladoja, said Arum was kidnapped while traveling to Kaduna, and that evidence of his captivity has since surfaced online, including recordings that the association claims show physical abuse, torture, and inhumane conditions.
NANS further alleged that the abductors have issued a ransom demand of ₦30 million, describing the reported treatment of the student as “barbaric” and unacceptable in any society.
Beyond condemning the incident, NANS’ Oladoja expressed anger over what he called the slow and weak response of security agencies and authorities at both federal and state levels. The association said the country is witnessing a dangerous trend of kidnappings, killings, and abductions, adding that the situation is now severe enough to raise questions about how Nigeria reached this point.
The group warned that the continuing vulnerability of students and other citizens shows that existing security structures are failing—or not being enforced effectively.
NANS also criticised what it called the lack of urgency and coordination from relevant authorities, arguing that silence or delay would only embolden criminals and deepen public frustration—potentially fueling broader civic resistance.
The student association issued a 48-hour ultimatum to both the federal government and the plateau state government, demanding immediate action including deployment of intelligence and security resources to secure John Arum’s safe and unconditional release; timely and transparent updates to the public and student community on steps taken to rescue him and on measures being used to address the crime; stronger nationwide action to curb kidnappings, abductions, and unlawful killings by non-state actors, and to address insecurity affecting students and citizens.
While giving solidarity, NANS president stated that failure to meet its demands within the stated period will prompt students—under his leadership—to launch a nationwide solidarity protest and a total shutdown of socio-economic and academic activities across Nigeria.
The association said the planned action would demonstrate what it described as collective opposition to insecurity and what it views as institutional inaction.
Oladoja reiterated that the association will not remain silent while students are allegedly hunted, abducted, and brutalised.
