The students voiced their frustrations, saying, “They are kidnapping us and collecting ransom.”
Students under the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) in Ondo State took to the streets on Thursday to protest against “bad governance, rising insecurity, and incessant kidnappings” in the state.
The protesters, in their numbers, blocked the busy Oba Adesida Road in front of the ‘A’ Division Police Station, demanding urgent action from the state government to curb insecurity.
The students, carrying placards with inscriptions such as “Our schools are not safe, Mr. Governor,” and “You promised our graduates jobs, fulfill your promise, Mr. Governor,” decried the worsening security situation affecting students, particularly those undergoing their Industrial Training (IT) under the Student Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES).
According to the protesters, many students participating in IT have fallen victim to kidnappings, with abductors demanding ransom from their families.
They lamented that despite multiple assurances from Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, no tangible measures have been taken to address the crisis.
A video obtained by SaharaReporters showed the students engaging in a heated argument with armed soldiers who attempted to intimidate them.
At one point, a soldier was seen cocking his rifle amidst the crowd, a move that escalated tensions.
However, a Nigerian police officer quickly intervened, preventing the situation from escalating into violence.
The students voiced their frustrations, saying, “They are kidnapping us and collecting ransom.”
They urged the state government to take immediate action to safeguard their lives and provide solutions to the problem of unemployment among graduates.
As of the time of filing this report, the state government has not issued an official response to the protest.
The students, however, have vowed to continue their demonstrations until their demands are met.
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