NANS Condemns Brutal Assault on KWASU Students by Security Agencies, Demands Justice
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has vehemently denounced the appalling and violent attack perpetrated against students of Kwara State University (KWASU) by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), and the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) during midnight operations on February 20th and 21st, 2024. **Incident Details:** In defiance of the explicit directive from the EFCC Chairman prohibiting midnight operations, the EFCC Kwara State command conducted an unauthorized raid in the KWASU student community on February 20th, arbitrarily arresting students and interrogating them without proper invitation or adherence to established protocols. Despite the courageous resistance from the students, the security operatives responded with excessive force, resorting to tear gas and live ammunition, leaving several students with severe injuries. **NANS’s Response and Demands:** Expressing solidarity with the KWASU students, NANS has issued a set of comprehensive demands: 1. **Independent Investigation:** NANS calls for an impartial inquiry into the incident, ensuring the involvement of all relevant agencies and a thorough examination of the circumstances surrounding the brutal assault. 2. **Identification and Sanctions:** The immediate disclosure of the identities of the involved officers is demanded to ensure accountability and appropriate disciplinary measures against those responsible. 3. **Compensation and Medical Aid:** NANS urges prompt and adequate compensation for the families of the deceased students and comprehensive medical assistance for the injured victims. 4. **Adherence to Ban on Midnight Operations:** Strict compliance with the EFCC Chairman’s ban on midnight operations is emphasized, with a warning of severe consequences for any deviation from this directive. **Ultimatum and Call to Action:** NANS has issued a 48-hour ultimatum for the authorities to address their demands, stressing the urgency of the situation. The organization calls on relevant stakeholders, including human rights groups, civil society, and the media, to join them in their quest for justice and accountability. **Conclusion:** Comrade Ekundina Segun Elvis, NANS National Senate President, reaffirms the organization’s unwavering commitment to defending the rights and well-being of Nigerian students and vows to pursue justice relentlessly for the victims of this reprehensible act.
