The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), South-West Zone D, has called on the Federal Government to establish a special intervention program for victims of terrorism, urging authorities to provide counselling, scholarships, medical care and other long-term support for children, teachers and families affected by terrorist attacks.
The students’ body made the appeal on Friday following the successful rescue of pupils and teachers abducted from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State after spending 56 days in captivity.
In an open letter signed by its South-West Zone D Coordinator, Adeyemo Josiah, NANS congratulated President Bola Tinubu, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and the country’s security agencies for securing the release of the victims.
The association described the rescue as a major victory against terrorism and kidnapping, saying it had restored hope to the affected families and demonstrated that effective collaboration among security agencies could defeat criminal groups.
However, NANS argued that rescuing victims should not mark the end of the government’s responsibility, stressing that those who survive terrorist attacks often require long-term psychological, educational and financial support to recover fully.
“While we celebrate this remarkable achievement, we respectfully make a passionate appeal to the Federal Government,” the association said.
According to the students’ body, the country has invested significant resources over the years in rehabilitation and reintegration programs for repentant insurgents and former terrorists.
It said innocent victims of terrorism deserve at least the same level of attention, if not more.
The association noted that children who spent several weeks in captivity, teachers who witnessed violence and families left traumatised by the ordeal should not be abandoned after their rescue.
“Children who have endured weeks in captivity, teachers subjected to unimaginable psychological trauma, and families left emotionally devastated deserve comprehensive rehabilitation and long-term support,” the statement said.
To address the problem, NANS urged the Federal Government to create a special intervention program dedicated to victims of terrorism across the country.
According to the association, the program should include professional psychological counselling to help survivors overcome trauma caused by kidnapping, violence and prolonged captivity.
It also recommended free medical treatment for victims, many of whom may have suffered injuries, illness or poor health conditions during their time in captivity.
The students’ body further called for educational assistance, including scholarships and academic rehabilitation for affected pupils whose education was disrupted by the abduction.
It said many children returning from captivity could face challenges adjusting to school and might require additional support to continue their education successfully.
NANS also proposed economic and social assistance for affected families where necessary, especially families that may have suffered financial hardship during the period of captivity.
The association added that the intervention program should include long-term monitoring of victims to ensure they recover fully and successfully reintegrate into society.
“The victims of terrorism should never receive less attention than those who once perpetrated or supported acts of terror,” the statement added.
The appeal followed the successful rescue of pupils and teachers abducted during coordinated attacks on schools in Oriire Local Government Area on May 15.
Armed men had invaded Community High School, L.A. Primary School, and Baptist Primary and Nursery School in Ahoro-Esinle, Yawota and nearby communities, abducting dozens of pupils and teachers before fleeing into the forest.
The incident shocked residents of Oyo State and drew nationwide condemnation.
During the period of captivity, one of the abducted teachers, Michael Oyedokun, was killed by the kidnappers, further increasing public anger over the attack.
After weeks of intelligence gathering and security operations involving the military, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force and other agencies, the victims were rescued on Friday.
The Presidency later confirmed that no ransom was paid and no concession was granted to secure their freedom.
Officials also disclosed that eight suspected kidnappers were arrested during the operation, while several others were neutralised.
Commending the security agencies, NANS praised President Tinubu, the National Security Adviser, the DSS, the Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and other agencies involved in the operation.
The association described the rescue as evidence that coordinated security efforts could produce positive results in the fight against terrorism and kidnapping.
NANS also applauded Governor Makinde for working closely with federal security agencies throughout the operation.
According to the students’ body, the cooperation between the state government and security agencies played an important role in ensuring the safe return of the victims.
The association further said the successful rescue should send a strong warning to terrorists and kidnappers operating across the South-West.
“The South-West of Nigeria is not, and will never become, a safe haven for terrorism,” the statement declared.
The group urged security agencies to sustain ongoing operations against criminal gangs to prevent future attacks on schools and communities.
Kidnapping for ransom has remained one of Nigeria’s biggest security challenges in recent years. Although attacks on schools have been more common in parts of the North-West and North-Central, the Oriire incident raised fresh concerns about the spread of criminal activities into the South-West.
NANS said it was ready to support efforts aimed at improving safety in schools and preventing future attacks.
The association pledged to continue working with governments, security agencies, educational institutions and community leaders to promote public awareness, intelligence sharing, youth engagement and peaceful coexistence.