Parents of the abducted students of the College of Forestry Mechanization, Afaka, in Kaduna State, on Tuesday protested at the National Assembly over the continued stay of their children in captivity.

The protesters, which included members of the Students Union Government (SUG) of the institution, chanted songs of solidarity and carried placards with various inscriptions demanding prompt rescue of the students.

They also lamented over what they described as the negligence of the state and Federal Government in securing the release of the students.

“Education is our right! Safety is our right! Freedom is our right!, Free Afaka 29! ” the parents and students chanted as they marched to the National Assembly.

The protesters had earlier gathered at the Unity Fountain and were joined by joined by the Publisher of Sahara Reporters, Omoyele Sowore; and civil rights activist, Deji Adeyanju, before proceeding to the National Assembly complex.

They were, however, denied entry to the legislative complex by security agents, who manned the assembly’s gate.

On 11 March, 39 students of the Federal College of Forestry Mechanization Afaka in Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State were abducted from their hostels by bandits dressed in military uniform.

However, 10 of the students were released in two batches of five each, while 29 others remain in captivity.