Violence erupted amidst gunshots on Thursday at the old parade ground in Abuja as the Convention Planing Committee (CPC) of National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) began accreditation of Students Union Presidents and representatives across the country.
According to SaharaReporters, not less than 20 students sustained wounds from gunshots and machete after thugs loyal to a factional coordinator of the association in Zone D (Southwest) began attacking delegates.
A source said that the thugs, numbering over 20, stormed the venue with dangerous weapons while accreditation of Students Union Government (SUG) Presidents under NANS Zone B and Zone D was in progress.
“They have stopped accreditation already, you know we have factions in Zone D. If you see the boys one of the coordinators brought to the convention ground, even the DSS ran away,” he said.
It was gathered that DSS operatives have allegedly arrested the National Public Relations Officer of the association, Azeez Adeyemi, after guns and ammunition were found in a bus belonging to Moshood Abiola Polytechnic (MAPOLY).
The security agency also arrested other occupiers of the bus who are students’ leaders from Ogun State.
Confirming the arrest, a SUG President from one of the institutions in Oyo State said he is disappointed that students’ leaders could resort to violence during their election.
“Yes, peace has returned to the ground now. DSS operatives have arrested some people, including the present PRO and Special Assistant to Governor Abiodun of Ogun State on Students’ Matters, Azeez Adeyemi, with guns and ammunition.
“He was caught in a student union bus belonging to Moshood Abiola Polytechnic. The bus was full of guns and ammunition. I heard they have been released but the union bus loaded with ammunition is still in the custody of the DSS,” he said.
BREAKING: Sporadic gunshots rocks the ongoing #NANS Convention venue in Abuja amidst vote buying. The gathering of students leaders was meant to elect a new President of National Association of Nigerian Students that will pilot the affairs of the student’s apex body next year. pic.twitter.com/6eiRaFS8XY
— ‘Deji Adesogan (@DejiAdesogan) December 3, 2020
This is supposed to be a gathering of student leaders right?
NANS and its very unfortunate reality.
How are we sure of better days ahead when student election is more like PDP and APC rally? pic.twitter.com/aF1kf7NtMX— Akintunde O. Babatunde (@olorunwababs) December 3, 2020
Arrrgh, NANS presidential election turned woro si woro, see leaders of Tomorrow, na lie this we won make not too young to rule come to manifestation 😤😤😤na like this we won overthrown the old ones rulling us.. Hmmm.. So sorry.. pic.twitter.com/L6E8dPuiIJ
— Gugu_media(GMB) (@Gugu_media) December 3, 2020
This is coming two months after NANS president, Danielson Akpan was impeached for allegedly diverting students’ Covid-19 palliatives.