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From Stanley Uzoaru, Owerri
The Coalition of South East Youth Leaders (COSEYL) has demanded urgent Federal Government’s intervention following the abduction of John Arum, a student of the University of Jos, who was kidnapped while traveling to Kaduna.
In a press release issued yesterday, COSEYL President General, Goodluck Ibem, expressed “deep outrage, grief, and condemnation” over the incident, describing it as “a national emergency that requires urgent, deliberate, and sustained action.”
The group said it was particularly disturbed by a video reportedly recorded by the kidnappers and circulated within Arum’s school community. COSEYL said the footage shows “unimaginable torture, brutality, and degradation” of the student.
The group added that there had been no confirmed communication with Arum’s family since the abduction. The kidnappers are reportedly demanding a ransom of N30 million.
The apex South East youth group called on the Federal Government, security agencies, and relevant authorities to “immediately mobilise all necessary intelligence and security resources” to secure Arum’s safe and unconditional release.
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The coalition further urged the Federal Government to ensure “swift and decisive action” against the perpetrators and to intensify efforts to dismantle criminal networks responsible for kidnappings, banditry, and terrorism. It also called for steps to “restore public confidence in national security architecture” by demonstrating a zero-tolerance stance toward insecurity.
“The continued normalisation of abductions, killings, and violent crimes has reduced the value of human life to an unacceptable level,” the statement read. “No nation can thrive where its citizens are unsafe.”
COSEYL appealed to civil society organisations, student bodies, and Nigerians to “raise their voices and demand justice,” warning that “silence in moments like this only emboldens perpetrators.”
The group said it stands in solidarity with Arum’s family, friends, and colleagues, and pledged to “continue to advocate relentlessly until he is safely returned.”
The statement concluded: “We demand action. We demand accountability. We demand results.”
As of yesterday morning, there had been no official response from federal authorities or the University of Jos regarding the abduction.
