Our concerns on the increase of the kidnapped students In Nigeria, kidnapping of students and demand for outragious ransom has been on the increase lately. This recurring situation has created fear of the unknown in most Nigerians, even among students whose schools are not situated in the mostly affected Northern Nigeria. Some students of KINGSTON COLLEGE, IBADAN, speak on their concerns about the increase in the cases. Iyinoluwa Fasola, 16 yrs old, Year 11 The country has been experiencing kidnapping for so many years and unfortunately there has not been any solution to it. Now it has taken a new form, focus on students. Every student abducted will live with the fear and question of ever returning to their parents. It also slows down their education. I have the following suggestions for the government: provision of security surveillance system which can check what is happening in the environment, state policing as it has been suggested by security experts should also be given priority and provision of improved weapons for security personnel. Toluwanimi Oparinde, 13 yrs old, Grade 12 In Nigeria today, we are faced with many challenges which bring fear and uncertainties. One of such challenges is the increase in cases of schools being attacked and students being kidnapped in the North. Most of us have a lot of questions such as “when will this end? Is my family and I safe?” and the like. At the moment, a lot of parents in the North would not want to send their children to school for the fear of their being kidnapped. Some would say “why risk my my children’s lives in the name the so-called education?” As a student, I feel sad that some students like me cannot enjoy education because of insecurity. My advice to the government is that well-trained security personnel, CCTV cameras, laptops and internet for online classes are needed in times like this. We should also be prayerful because we need God’s protecton more now for us to have a better country to live in. Oluwademilade Adeyemi, 9 yrs old, Year 7 People get injured severely and taken away, that is not just right. My question is, why are these- kidnapping, raping, request for ransom, etc. happening? Such innocent people as the kidnapped students should not be experiencing that kind of trauma because it is killing. Government at all levels should find a way to stop it! I advocate for the protection of our homes and schools. Tomisin Akindele, 14 yrs old, Year 11 What has happened to the children in the custody of the kidnappers is an outrageous act of cruelty which should not be especially, to children. This, in no small measure has affected their learning negatively, a future they are trying so hard to build. It is unfair that only the top officials have the best security. Every citizen should enjoy security without having to watch their backs always or sleep with one eye open for fear of the unknown. One’s childhood should be lived in utmost happiness and not fear and trauma as experienced by the kidnapped students overtime. More hands should be recruited into the security teams and must be subjected to improved training in order to face the kidnappers in case of attacks. Immanuella Ockiya, 15 yrs old, Year 12 The recent cases of kidnapping have ripped our land of its peace and harmony. It saddens me that my mates and the people I could call my brothers and sisters are being kidnapped and taken away from their families. What is their offence? What did they do to deserve that? What are the offences of their parents to the kidnappers? This act must not go unpunished. There must be justice; justice for the mother of the boy who sells pepper by the road side to provide for her son! Justice for the children who do not have roof over their heads! Justice for the captured leaders of tomorrow! Oluwadamitan Olu-Jordan, 15 yrs old, Year 11 On the case of kidnapping in Nigeria, I believe the government is partially at fault due to the low level of security in the country. Some security officers are not very efficient while a percentage is corrupt. I, therefore, suggest that govermnent should plant spies to identify corrupt officers and also ensure they are doing the right things. Crime-prone areas should be given special attention, thereby creating fears of being caught in the mind of perpetrators of evil. Vehicles and stronger weapons should be made available for security opertaives. Oyinkansola Ogunsola, 13 yrs old, Year 8 It is inhuman to take away innocent children away from the comfort of their schools and homes. The government should stop ignoring the challenges facing security in Nigeria and swing into action to save lives and properties. Individuals too should be security conscious and inform security operatives immediately, in case of suspected attempt of any form of attack. I pray that Nigeria will become a better place to live.