The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Southwest Zone D, has condemned the killing of a secondary school student who was hit by a stray bullet while on his way to write his West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) in Ibadan, Oyo State.
According to reports, the student was in his father’s car when he was struck by a bullet allegedly fired by police officers pursuing a Hilux vehicle. The tragic incident occurred on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, in the Alaakia area of Ibadan.
Reacting to the incident, the Coordinator of NANS Zone D, Comrade Owolewa Taiwo, described the killing as a national disgrace and a direct assault on the Nigerian student community. The statement, co-signed by the General Secretary, Oluwole Olutunde, and the Public Relations Officer, Kuku Isaiah Eromidayo, expressed outrage over what it called the senseless and inexcusable loss of an innocent life.
The student body stated that the deceased was simply on his way to sit for an examination that represents the hopes and future aspirations of millions of young Nigerians. They emphasized that the victim had no involvement in the police chase and posed no threat.
NANS further lamented the recurring pattern of police brutality, particularly against students, and accused the unit responsible for the shooting of operating with the same impunity as the disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS). They called for the immediate arrest and prosecution of the officer who fired the fatal shot, as well as a full investigation into the operation.
The student leaders also demanded a public apology and adequate compensation to the bereaved family, as well as a total overhaul of rogue police units operating in Oyo State.
They called on the Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, the Oyo State Commissioner of Police, and the Inspector General of Police to take swift and decisive action, stressing that justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done.
NANS gave the authorities a 24-hour ultimatum to act, warning that failure to respond would lead to peaceful protests, mass mobilisation, and legal action.
The group reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the rights and lives of Nigerian students, declaring that the life of the slain student must not be lost in vain.
