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- demands improved security around student residences
- tasks head of Eruku community
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has condemned the killing of a female student of D.S. Adegbenro ICT Polytechnic, Itori-Ewekoro, Ogun State, during an alleged armed robbery attack in Eruku community.
In a Tuesday statement signed by the NANS Secretary General, Comrade Oladimeji Uthman, the student body described the incident as “heartbreaking”, “a direct assault on the future of our nation” and a painful reminder of growing security challenges facing students across Ogun State and the country.
NANS extended condolences to the family of the deceased, and to the management, staff and students of D.S. Adegbenro ICT Polytechnic, Itori.
“Education should never become a journey of fear or a pathway to death. Every Nigerian student deserves to study, travel to and fro campus and reside within host communities without the constant threat of violence or criminal attacks,” the statement reads in .
The association called on the Ogun State Police Command under CP Bode Ojajuni to “immediately carry out a thorough and transparent investigation” into the circumstances surrounding the incident and ensure that all those responsible are “swiftly apprehended and prosecuted in accordance with the law.”
NANS also urged Governor Dapo Abiodun to strengthen security measures around all tertiary institutions in Ogun State and student communities through collaboration with security agencies, institution managements, local government chairmen, traditional institutions, and student leaders.
It further called on heads of tertiary institutions in the state to review existing security strategies and work with security agencies and student leaders to improve safety on and off campus.
Expressing concern over persistent complaints from students in Eruku Community, Ewekoro LGA, NANS called on the Eleruku of Eruku Community, Oba Kolawole Edunjobi Adifase, and other community leaders to “take immediate and visible steps to reassure students” by publicly condemning criminality and cooperating with law enforcement.
“In view of the prevailing security concerns, NANS National Secretariat declare state of emergency in Eruku Community advising students residing in the community to vacate the area,” the statement said.
It advised students with alternative accommodation to temporarily relocate “until the security situation has improved and the relevant authorities have implemented adequate measures to guarantee the safety of lives and property.”
NANS said it remains committed to advocating for the protection and welfare of Nigerian students and will continue to engage relevant authorities to ensure students can pursue education in a safe environment.
“The lives of Nigerian students are precious and must never be taken for granted,” the statement further reads.
