The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), on Thursday, condemned attacks and killings of security operatives, particularly men of the Nigerian Army and Nigeria Police Force.
The students’ body said no fewer than 154 military and police officers were killed by non-state actors between March, 2023 and March 2024.
The NANS’ Senate President, Henry Okunomo, flanked by Clerk of the Senate, AbdulYekinn Odunayo, said this while addressing newsmen in Abeokuta on Thursday, Ogun State.
Okunomo said it is “deeply troubling” to Nigerians to unleash terror on security operatives who are saddled with the duties to protect them.
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He said although some of the operatives have been caught up in human rights abuses, such grievances should be addressed through peaceful and lawful means.
He urged community leaders, civil society organizations, and citizens to join them in condemning the attacks and fostering a spirit of cooperation and mutual respect with security operatives.
He said, “As students and future leaders of this nation, we must advocate for constructive and peaceful avenues to address grievances. It is crucial to engage in dialogue, report misconduct through the appropriate channels, and work towards systemic reforms that can enhance the accountability and professionalism of our security forces.
“We call upon community leaders, civil society organizations, and all citizens to join us in condemning these attacks. We urge everyone to foster a spirit of cooperation and mutual respect with our security operatives. Let us remember that they are our brothers, sisters, friends, and neighbors who are fulfilling a critical role in our society.
“We are also using this opportunity to call on the leadership of the army and the police to caution their men against human rights abuse. We have witnessed with regret the involvement of military and police officers in civil matters such as land disputes, debt recovery, abuse of students, among others.”
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