The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has condemned the killing of a female student of D.S. Adegbenro ICT Polytechnic, Itori, Ogun State, during a suspected armed robbery attack in Eruku Community, Ewekoro Local Government Area.

In a statement issued on Tuesday and signed by its Secretary-General, Comrade Oladimeji Uthman, the association described the incident as “heartbreaking”, calling it a direct assault on the future of the nation’s youth and a grim reminder of the growing security challenges confronting students across Ogun State and Nigeria.

NANS extended its condolences to the family of the deceased as well as the management, staff and students of D.S. Adegbenro ICT Polytechnic.

“Education should never become a journey of fear or a pathway to death. Every Nigerian student deserves to study, commute to and from campus, and live within host communities without the constant threat of violence or criminal attacks,” the statement said.

The association called on the Ogun State Police Command, led by Commissioner of Police Bode Ojajuni, to conduct a thorough and transparent investigation into the incident and ensure that all those responsible are swiftly arrested and prosecuted.

It also urged Governor Dapo Abiodun to strengthen security around tertiary institutions and student communities by working closely with security agencies, school authorities, local government councils, traditional institutions and student leaders.

NANS further appealed to heads of tertiary institutions in the state to review existing security arrangements and collaborate with relevant stakeholders to improve the safety of students both on and off campus.

Expressing concern over what it described as recurring security complaints from students residing in Eruku Community, the association called on the Eleruku of Eruku Community, Oba Kolawole Edunjobi Adifase, and other community leaders to take immediate and visible steps to restore confidence by publicly condemning criminality and cooperating with law enforcement agencies.

“In view of the prevailing security concerns, the NANS National Secretariat hereby declares a state of emergency in Eruku Community and advises students residing in the area to vacate the community,” the statement said.

The association advised students with alternative accommodation to relocate temporarily until the security situation improves and adequate measures are put in place to guarantee the safety of lives and property.

NANS reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the welfare and interests of Nigerian students, stressing that it would continue to engage relevant authorities to ensure students can pursue their education in a safe and secure environment.

“The lives of Nigerian students are precious and must never be taken for granted,” the statement added.