The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has strongly condemned the alleged armed robbery attack that claimed the life of a student of D.S. Adegbenro ICT Polytechnic, Itori, Ogun State, describing the incident as a tragic assault on the Nigerian student community and a disturbing reflection of worsening insecurity around tertiary institutions.
In a statement signed by its Secretary General, Comrade Oladimeji Uthman, popularly known as "Dan Fodio," the association expressed profound grief over the killing, which reportedly occurred at a student residence in Eruku Community, Ewekoro Local Government Area of Ogun State.
NANS described the death of the student as a painful loss of a young life with great potential, stressing that no student should lose his or her life while pursuing education.
The association extended its heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, the management, staff and students of D.S. Adegbenro ICT Polytechnic, praying for the repose of the deceased's soul and for God to grant the family the strength to bear the irreparable loss.
According to the statement, the unfortunate incident underscores the growing security challenges confronting students across campuses and host communities in Ogun State and Nigeria at large.
"Education should never become a journey of fear or a pathway to death. Every Nigerian student deserves to study, travel to and from campus, and reside within host communities without the constant threat of violence or criminal attacks," the statement read.
NANS called on the Ogun State Police Command, led by Commissioner of Police CP Bode Ojajuni, and other security agencies to launch a thorough, transparent and comprehensive investigation into the incident, urging authorities to ensure that those responsible are identified, arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
The students' body also appealed to the Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, to strengthen security around all tertiary institutions and student communities through improved collaboration among security agencies, institutional authorities, local government councils, traditional rulers, community leaders and student representatives.
It further urged heads of tertiary institutions across the state to review existing security arrangements and work closely with law enforcement agencies and student leaders to enhance the safety and welfare of students both on and off campus.
Expressing concern over what it described as persistent complaints from students regarding insecurity in Eruku Community, NANS called on the traditional ruler of the community, His Royal Majesty, Oba Kolawole Edunjobi Adifase, the Eleruku of Eruku, and other community leaders to publicly condemn criminal activities, cooperate fully with security agencies and ensure that no individual involved in attacks against students is shielded from investigation or prosecution.
According to the association, the traditional institution must demonstrate its commitment to justice, peace and the protection of all residents, especially students whose safety should never be compromised.
As an immediate response to the deteriorating security situation, NANS declared what it described as a "state of emergency" in Eruku Community and advised students living in the area to vacate the community if they have alternative accommodation.
The association said the advisory would remain in place until the security situation improves and relevant authorities put adequate measures in place to guarantee the safety of lives and property.
Reaffirming its commitment to the welfare and protection of Nigerian students, NANS pledged to continue engaging government and relevant stakeholders to ensure that students can pursue their education in a safe and conducive environment.
"The lives of Nigerian students are precious and must never be taken for granted. Justice must prevail, and every necessary step must be taken to prevent the recurrence of such tragic incidents," the statement concluded.
The association reiterated its solidarity with the deceased student's family and the entire academic community of D.S. Adegbenro ICT Polytechnic, maintaining that the tragic loss should serve as a wake-up call for authorities to urgently address insecurity around campuses and student host communities across the country.
