The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) condemns Nigerians’ recent attacks on security personnel, notably Nigerian army and police officers.
The NANS Senate President, Henry Okunomo, and the Clerk, AbdulYekinn Odunayo, issued the denunciation during a press conference in Abeokuta, Ogun State’s capital.
The student body voiced concern about the ongoing attacks, which have led in the loss of life and property.
They emphasised that security operators are committed individuals who risk their lives every day to safeguard civilians’ safety and well-being. The group urged community leaders, civil society organisations, and individuals to join them in condemning the attacks and encouraging collaboration and mutual respect among security personnel.
They also urged the government and relevant authorities to study the underlying causes of the tensions and take appropriate action to address them.
The association urged army and police leaders to caution their personnel against human rights violations and interference in civic concerns. They emphasised the importance of peaceful cooperation and teamwork in building a safe, secure, and successful society.
They also urged the government and relevant authorities to study the underlying causes of the tensions and take appropriate action to address them.
The association urged army and police leaders to caution their personnel against human rights violations and interference in civic concerns. They emphasised the importance of peaceful cooperation and teamwork in building a safe, secure, and successful society.
What they’re saying
Okunomo stated,
“At least 154 military and police officers were killed by non-state actors between March 2023 and March 2024, according to accounts from various news outlets. 90 police officers and 64 military personnel were slain by outlaws.“As future citizens and students, we have a responsibility to support constructive and amicable channels of resolving conflicts. It is imperative that we hold discussions, file reports of wrongdoing through the proper channels, and seek systemic changes that would improve the security forces’ professionalism and accountability.
“We urge everyone to join us in denouncing these attacks, including civic society organisations, local authorities, and everyday people. We implore everyone to cultivate an atmosphere of respect and cooperation between themselves and our security personnel. Recall that these individuals are our neighbours, friends, sisters, and brothers who are playing a vital role in our community.
“Furthermore, we make a request that the government and pertinent authorities look into the underlying reasons of these conflicts and take the necessary action to resolve them. The public’s cooperation and trust will be greatly restored if security personnel are given the proper training, support, and accountability.
“We are also taking this opportunity to urge the army’s and the police’s top brass to warn their soldiers against violating human rights.” We regret to notify you that the police and military have been involved in civil proceedings pertaining to debt recovery and mistreatment of students, among other things.
In Essence
Overall, NANS presents a balanced perspective. They acknowledge the sacrifices of security personnel while calling for reform and improved citizen-police relations. They believe a multi-pronged approach addressing violence, its root causes, and accountability on both sides is necessary for a safer Nigeria.
Bottom Line
Under the capable direction of Comrade Pedro Obi, NANS exhorts all Nigerians to make a commitment to creating a community in which security personnel and citizens live in harmony and cooperate to achieve a shared objective: a successful, safe, and peaceful society for everyone.
We can overcome these obstacles by working together and knowing that violence is never the solution.
