By Vincent Nnamani (Bureau Chief South East
Amidst public outrage, a group known as the Coalition of South East Youth Leaders (COSEYL), the apex sociopolitical youth group in the South East geopolitical zone, has expressed deep outrage, grief, and condemnation over the abduction of Mr. John Arum, a student of the University of Jos, who was kidnapped while traveling to Kaduna.
The group in a statement on Tuesday by President-General, Comrade Goodluck Ibem, said the abducted student's case is "not just another statistic. This is a young Nigerian whose life hangs in the balance".
The Coalition stated that they are particularly disturbed by the chilling video reportedly recorded by the kidnappers and circulated to Arum's school community.
"The content of that video reveals unimaginable torture, brutality, and degradation. Such inhuman treatment is unacceptable and stands as a damning indictment of the worsening insecurity across Nigeria.
"Since the incident, there has been no confirmed communication with his family, while reports indicate that the kidnappers are demanding a ransom of ₦30 million. This raises serious concerns about the safety of the victim and highlights, once again, the growing audacity of criminal elements operating freely within our borders.
"COSEYL unequivocally condemns this heinous act and calls on the Federal Government of Nigeria, security agencies, and all relevant authorities to immediately mobilize all necessary intelligence and security resources to secure the safe and unconditional release of John Arum.
"The Federal Government must ensure swift and decisive action against the perpetrators of this crime, bringing them to justice without delay and intensify efforts to dismantle all criminal networks responsible for kidnappings, banditry, and terrorism across the country.
"The Federal Government must restore public confidence in national security architecture by demonstrating a zero-tolerance stance toward insecurity.
"The continued normalization of abductions, killings, and violent crimes has reduced the value of human life to an unacceptable level. Citizens now live in constant fear, while criminals operate with near impunity. This is a national emergency that requires urgent, deliberate, and sustained action. Enough is enough.
"No nation can thrive where its citizens are unsafe. No government can claim success while its people are subjected to daily terror. The time for rhetoric has passed; what Nigerians demand now is action.
"We also call on civil society organizations, student bodies, and all well-meaning Nigerians to raise their voices and demand justice. Silence in moments like this only emboldens perpetrators.
"COSEYL stands in solidarity with the family, friends, and colleagues of John Arum. We will continue to advocate relentlessly until he is safely returned and until meaningful steps are taken to end the cycle of violence and insecurity in our nation.
"We demand action. We demand accountability. We demand results", the group stated. NNL.
