The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Southwest Zone D, has condemned in strong terms the killing of a secondary school student in Ibadan, Oyo State, who was hit by a stray bullet while on his way to sit for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).
The student, whose name was not disclosed, was reportedly in his father’s car heading to his examination centre when a bullet struck him. The shot was allegedly fired by police officers in pursuit of a Hilux vehicle.
Reacting to the incident, the President of the student body, Owolewa Taiwo, described the situation as a national disgrace and a direct attack on the lives of Nigerian students.
In a statement released on Tuesday and signed by the Zone D Coordinator, Owolewa Taiwo, the General Secretary, Oluwole Olutunde, and the Public Relations Officer, Kuku Isaiah Eromidayo, NANS stated:
“It is with deep pain, heavy hearts, and righteous indignation that we, the leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) Southwest Zone D led by Comrade Owolewa Taiwo, condemn in the strongest terms the senseless and inexcusable killing of a WAEC candidate today, May 20, 2025, at Alaakia, Ibadan by a reckless officer of the Nigeria Police Force.”
They noted that the victim was uninvolved in the chase and posed no threat.
“According to verified reports, the young student was on his way to sit for his West African Examinations Council (WAEC) paper, an examination that represents the future dreams and aspirations of millions of Nigerian youths, when he was tragically struck by a stray bullet from policemen allegedly chasing a Hilux vehicle. The student, inside his father’s car, was unarmed, unthreatening, and clearly uninvolved. Yet, his life was cut short by the same institution meant to protect him.
“This is not just an accident; it is a national disgrace and a direct attack on the Nigerian student body. We are tired of issuing condolence statements. We are tired of hashtags. We are tired of watching our comrades fall to bullets and brutality.”
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The association issued a list of demands to relevant authorities, insisting that justice must be served swiftly and publicly.
“Immediate identification, arrest, and prosecution of the officer responsible for this heinous act. Immediate suspension and investigation of the entire unit involved in this operation. From reports gathered, this unit has ties to the disbanded SARS and has continued operating with impunity.
“Public apology and adequate compensation to the family of the deceased student. A thorough overhaul and accountability process for rogue elements in the police force operating in Oyo State.”
The student leaders called on Governor Seyi Makinde, the Oyo State Commissioner of Police, and the Inspector General of Police to take immediate and decisive action.
“We call on His Excellency, Governor Seyi Makinde, the Oyo State Commissioner of Police, and the Inspector General of Police to rise to the occasion. The eyes of the Nigerian students and the entire nation are on you. You must not protect killers in uniform. You must not shield murderers under the guise of duty.
“The Nigerian Police must stop killing our members. We are students, not criminals! We will not fold our arms and watch our colleagues be slaughtered. We will not keep quiet in the face of injustice.
“We are giving a 24-hour ultimatum for action. Failure to respond will be met with the full weight of our resistance, peaceful protests, mass mobilisation, and legal action. An injury to one is an injury to all. In NANS Zone D, we prioritise the lives, safety, and dignity of Nigerian students above all. We say NO to police brutality. We say NO to extrajudicial killings. We say NO to the silence that fuels oppression.
“This young comrade’s life must not be lost in vain. Justice must be done, and it must be seen to be done.”
