The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) Zone C, has condemned in strong terms the killing of students of Plateau State University, by gunmen, urging government at all levels to prioritize security of students and educational institutions.
The Zone C, Coordinator of NANS, Damel Friday Egga, in a statement made available to newsmen of Sunday, said the student body was saddened and deeply outraged by attack on the fellow students by suspected Fulani Militia, as well as the use of live ammunition on innocent students by the Military who are now in critical condition and receiving treatment.
Egga noted that the safety and security of Nigerian students is of utmost importance, and that such heinous act of violence against them is completely unacceptable.
“We demand justice for our fallen comrades and call for immediate actions to prevent such incidents from reoccurring in the future.
“NANS Zone C firmly believes that every student has the right to pursue their education in a safe and secure environment. It is disheartening to witness such a tragedy unfold within the premises of a place meant for learning and fostering academic growth,” he said.
Egga added, “we, therefore, call on the Chief of Army Staff and the military authorities through the Commander OPERATION SAFE HAVEN and General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division of the Nigerian Army to swiftly investigate this incident and ensure that those responsible for the attack on our students face the full force of the law within 72 hours else we relocate our Secretariat to Plateau State”.
The students also asked the military to provide highly competent and professional personnel to guarantee the safety and protection of students within the Plateau State University, Bokkos.
The student body urged the government to take immediate action to beef up security in and around educational institutions across the country, insisting that it was the duty of the government to protect its citizens, especially the future leaders and potential change-makers of the great nation.
“NANS Zone C, calls on stakeholders including the Ministry of Education, the Platus State Government, and security agencies, to collaborate and implement robust security measures that will safeguard the lives and properties of Nigerian students in our academic institutions.
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“We extend our deepest condolences to the families and friends of the victims, and we stand firmly with the entire student community of Plateau State University Bokkos during this difficult time. We urge all students to remain calm, vigilant, and supportive of one another as we collectively mourn the loss of our fellow students.
“We believe that justice will prevail, and the memory of our fallen comrades will serve as a constant reminder of the urgent need to prioritise the safety and security of students,” Egga stated.