The Kulen Allah Cattle Rearers Association of Nigeria (KACRAN) has issued a strong condemnation of the recent kidnapping incidents targeting secondary school students in Kebbi and Niger States, describing the acts as deeply disturbing and unacceptable.
National Crisis Demands Presidential Attention
The gravity of the situation has prompted President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to cancel his scheduled trip to South Africa for the G20 Economic Summit, choosing instead to focus on resolving the security crisis at home. This decision underscores the severity of the kidnappings as a major national concern that requires immediate government intervention.
In a press release signed by Hon. Khalil Mohd Bello, the National President of KACRAN, the association expressed profound concern about perpetrators targeting vulnerable children who should be receiving the highest levels of protection. The statement highlighted how these innocent students had left their parents for the first time to pursue education that is vital for future development.
Psychological Trauma and Educational Setback
The association emphasized the lasting emotional and psychological trauma being inflicted upon the young victims, while also noting the suffering of parents and relatives enduring days of uncertainty, hunger, and heartbreak. This humanitarian crisis threatens the health and overall well-being of all affected families.
KACRAN also pointed to the significant educational setback resulting from the Federal Government's directive to close over 40 Federal Secondary schools across the country, with additional closures ordered by the Niger and Katsina State governments. This development is particularly alarming for Northern Nigeria, which already struggles with high rates of out-of-school children.
Appeal for Release and National Unity
The association made a passionate appeal to the kidnappers to fear God and consider the day of judgment. KACRAN urged the immediate release of the students as an act of clemency and sympathy for the victims and their families, emphasizing that nothing is gained from the suffering of small children and their poor families.
KACRAN called on all Nigerians, regardless of tribe, religion, political affiliation, or region, to reject all forms of violence and embrace one another as one beloved family. The association stressed the importance of unity in developing an indivisible Nigeria where children and grandchildren can inherit a better country.
While commending President Tinubu for his government's sincerity and total commitment to securing the students' release, KACRAN respectfully requested the President to urgently implement the association's comprehensive proposal on resolving insecurity problems in the North-West and North-Central regions within six months.
