The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has condemned alleged recent illegal midnight raid on students’ residences at the Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA) off campuses.
It would be recalled that at about 1 a.m. today, Feb. 14, 2024; an unidentified operatives of Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) allegedly bursted into the students’ accommodations, breaking down doors and causing distress among the affected students.
The President of NANS, Comrade Pedro Obi, said in a statement that NANS strongly condemned this act of intimidation and violation of the rights of the students.
Obi said that as an organization dedicated to safeguarding the welfare and interests of Nigerian students, “we demand an immediate investigation into this incident.”
According to him, we urge the relevant authorities to bring the perpetrators to justice and ensure the safety and security of all students at FUTA, Akure.
“It is important to note that the Chairman of the EFCC made a press statement in November, explicitly banning night raids by operatives.
“This incident at FUTA is a clear violation of that directive. We call on the EFCC to investigate this breach of protocol and hold those responsible accountable for their actions.
“Furthermore, NANS insists that all students who were unlawfully apprehended during this illegal operation must be released immediately.
“It is unacceptable for innocent students to be subjected to such harassment and trauma.
“We stand in solidarity with the affected students and their families, and we will exhaust all available means to ensure that justice is served,” he said.
The NANS boss noted that in light of the incident and the need to protect the rights and welfare of Nigerian students, the National Secretariat of NANS would be temporarily relocated back to Benin, Edo State.
He said that the decision was aimed at actively engaging with relevant stakeholders and authorities to address this serious issue and prevent its recurrence in the future.
“NANS remains committed to advocating for the rights and well-being of Nigerian students, and we will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that incidents such as these are not repeated.
“We call on the management of FUTA and the relevant security agencies to collaborate with us in addressing this matter promptly and effectively,” he added.
