Nigeria: NANS gives Ogun gov’t 72-hour ultimatum
By Zuleihat Owuiye, Nigeria
ABEOKUTA — The National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS, has given the Ogun State Government 72 hours to secure the release of students abducted from Gateway ICT Polytechnic, Saapade, and to bring to justice those responsible for the killing of a student in Itori.
Secretary-General of NANS, Oladimeji Uthman, issued the ultimatum on Wednesday during a news conference in Abeokuta. Student leaders from Gateway ICT Polytechnic, Olabisi Onabanjo University, and D.S. Adegbenro ICT Polytechnic, Itori, were also present.
Uthman said the rising cases of kidnappings, robberies and violent attacks around tertiary institutions in Ogun no longer reflect well on campus security.
Ahmed was killed on July 27 during a robbery attack in Eruku community, according to reports from NAN.
“Failure to meet these demands within the stipulated 72 hours will leave the national students’ body with no option but to commence sustained peaceful mass actions and a statewide protest,” Uthman said
Uthman acknowledged efforts by the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, and Governor Dapo Abiodun for deploying an operational police aircraft to boost surveillance in the state.
He expressed hope that the aircraft would help with intelligence gathering and rescue operations for the abducted students.
Command spokesperson, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, said the command received a distress report on the abduction and immediately launched a coordinated response with other security agencies.
“Tactical teams and intelligence assets have been deployed to facilitate the safe rescue of the victims and apprehend those responsible,” Babaseyi stated.
The ultimatum comes amid growing concern among students and parents over safety in and around Ogun’s tertiary institutions. Gateway ICT Polytechnic, Saapade, and D.S. Adegbenro ICT Polytechnic, Itori, are among schools that have recently experienced security incidents.
NANS said it will monitor the government’s response closely over the next 72 hours before deciding on next steps, including the planned statewide protest.
