NANS Condemns Killing Of Ibadan WASSCE Student, Demands Justice, Police Reform

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has strongly condemned the recent killing of a secondary school student in Ibadan, Oyo State, allegedly at the hands of a police officer. The association described the incident as both a “tragic and unacceptable loss of young life”.

In a statement released by Comrade Oladimeji Uthman, Executive Director of Administration and Planning at the NANS National Headquarters, the students’ body expressed outrage over the killing, labelling it a reflection of the systemic failure within Nigeria’s policing system.

“We are devastated and angry. No child deserves to die this way,” the statement read.

“That a law enforcement officer could so carelessly fire a shot and end the life of a young Nigerian student reflects the rot in the policing architecture of our country.”

NANS issued a strong call to action, urging President Bola Tinubu, the Police Service Commission (PSC), the Minister of Police Affairs, and the Federal Government to initiate comprehensive and sincere reforms within the Nigeria Police Force.

As part of its recommendations, the association pushed for stricter firearm usage protocols. It proposed that police officers be primarily equipped with non-lethal weapons—such as tear gas, batons, and electric stun guns—particularly during civilian interactions.

“There is no reason a police officer should confront peaceful citizens or enforce traffic laws with a loaded gun,” the statement emphasized.

“Firearms should be reserved only for situations involving terrorism, civil war, or extreme violence.”

In addition to systemic reforms, NANS demanded immediate accountability. The association called for the dismissal, arrest, and prosecution of the officer involved, along with compensation for the family of the deceased student.

“This is not just a protest against the Nigeria Police Force,” the statement continued, “but a fight for the soul of our nation. Until our officers are properly trained to protect lives and uphold human dignity, Nigeria will continue to lose its future to those meant to safeguard it.”

Concluding the statement, NANS reaffirmed its dedication to justice and student welfare. It urged relevant government agencies to view the tragedy not as an isolated event but as a critical moment for national reckoning and reform.