By Etop Ekanem

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has condemned the recent killing of a secondary school student in Ibadan, Oyo State, allegedly by a police officer, describing the act as a tragic and unacceptable loss of young life.

In a statement issued by Comrade Oladimeji Uthman, Executive Director of Administration and Planning at the NANS National Headquarters, the students’ body decried the incident as a reflection of systemic failure within Nigeria’s policing structure.

“We are devastated and angry. No child deserves to die this way,” the statement read. “That a law enforcement officer could so carelessly fire a shot and end the life of a young Nigerian student reflects the rot in the policing architecture of our country.”

NANS called on President Bola Tinubu, the Police Service Commission (PSC), the Minister of Police Affairs, and the Federal Government to urgently embark on a genuine and comprehensive reform of the Nigeria Police Force.

The association advocated for stricter protocols governing the use of firearms, suggesting that police officers should be equipped primarily with non-lethal weapons—such as tear gas, batons, and electric stun guns—when interacting with civilians.

“There is no reason a police officer should confront peaceful citizens or enforce traffic laws with a loaded gun,” the statement emphasized. “Firearms should be reserved only for situations involving terrorism, civil war, or extreme violence.”

NANS also demanded the immediate dismissal, arrest, and prosecution of the officer responsible for the student’s death, calling for justice to be served and appropriate compensation to be provided to the victim’s family.

“This is not just a protest against the Nigeria Police Force,” the statement continued, “but a fight for the soul of our nation. Until our officers are properly trained to protect lives and uphold human dignity, Nigeria will continue to lose its future to those meant to safeguard it.”

NANS concluded by reaffirming its commitment to advocating for justice and student welfare, urging government agencies to treat the incident not as an isolated tragedy but as a call to urgent national action.