NANS Relocates To Edo, Condemns Alleged Midnight Raid On Students At FUTA
National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has condemned alleged midnight raid on students’ residences at the Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA) off campuses recently, saying it is illegal.
It would be recalled that at about 1 a.m. on Wednesday, February 14, 2024; an unidentified operatives of Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) allegedly burst into the students’ accommodations, breaking down doors and causing distress among the affected students.
The President of NANS, Comrade Pedro Obi, said in a statement that NANS strongly condemned the act of intimidation and violation of the rights of the students.
Obi said that as an organisation dedicated to safeguarding the welfare and interests of Nigerian students, “we demand an immediate investigation into this incident.”
According to him, “we urge the relevant authorities to bring the perpetrators to justice and ensure the safety and security of all students at FUTA, Akure.
“It is important to note that the Chairman of the EFCC made a press statement in November, explicitly banning night raids by operatives.
“This incident at FUTA is a clear violation of that directive. We call on the EFCC to investigate this breach of protocol and hold those responsible accountable for their actions.
“Furthermore, NANS insists that all students who were unlawfully apprehended during this illegal operation must be released immediately.
“It is unacceptable for innocent students to be subjected to such harassment and trauma.
“We stand in solidarity with the affected students and their families, and we will exhaust all available means to ensure that justice is served,” he said.
The NANS boss noted that in light of the incident and the need to protect the rights and welfare of Nigerian students, the National Secretariat of NANS would be temporarily relocated back to Benin, Edo State.
He said that the decision was aimed at actively engaging with relevant stakeholders and authorities to address this serious issue and prevent its recurrence in the future.
“NANS remains committed to advocating the rights and well-being of Nigerian students, and we will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that incidents such as these are not repeated”, he added.
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Sam Udekwe is a journalist working in the News and Current Affairs department, Enugu State Broadcasting Service (ESBS) Enugu. He is well trained in all genres of journalistic venture.
Mr Sam read Mass Communication, graduating all with Distinction in National Diploma, Higher National Diploma and Postgraduate Diploma at IMT, Enugu and Madonna University, Okija, Anambra state, while he is presently on his M.Sc programme also in Mass Communication, at National Open University of Nigeria.
He is currently the NUJ Chairman, Enugu state.
samowailo@gmail.com
