The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Joint Campus Council (JCC), Osun Axis, has condemned the abduction and assault of its National President, Comrade Atiku Isah.
The Osun students’ leadership accuses loyalists of Seyi Tinubu, son of Nigeria’s President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, of orchestrating a violent crackdown on student voices critical of federal policies.
According to the statement jointly signed by Comrade Afolabi Faruq O. (Chairman), Comrade Joseph Oluwagbohunmi O. (General Secretary), and Sen. Comrade Olawale Abdulhamiid O. (PRO), Comrade Atiku was abducted on April 15 by a rival NANS faction led by “Ladoja”—described as an alleged proxy of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and Seyi Tinubu.
The statement claims he was brutally assaulted and threatened with death unless he renounced his position as the legitimate President of NANS, calling the attack an “egregious affront to the rule of law and democracy.”
The Osun student leaders warn that the situation signals a disturbing trend toward repression and authoritarianism under the Tinubu-led administration.
The Osun NANS called on Nigerians, civil society groups, the media, and international organisations to stand for justice. It emphasised that Comrade Atiku Isah was targeted for defending the interests of students.
They also denounced what they described as a creeping dictatorship within the students’ movement, vowing to resist any attempt to impose leadership through violence.
The statement partly read, “The leadership of NANS JCC Osun Axis strongly condemns the audacious attack on the NANS President, Comrade Atiku Isah, by some elements who are doing the bidding of Seyi Tinubu, the President’s son. We, as students, are profoundly saddened by what Seyi Tinubu wants to metamorphose this country into by using every means possible to eliminate all discerning voices against his father’s draconian policies.
“We are greatly concerned about the attempt to assassinate a fellow Comrade who courageously spoke against the reprehensible policies of President Tinubu.
“On the 15th of last month, Comrade Isah Atiku was kidnapped by Ladoja, a factional NANS President who is ostensibly loyal to Seyi Tinubu and APC. They brutally beat him and issued ominous threats to kill him if he doesn’t make a statement renouncing his position as NANS President.
“This is an egregious affront to the rule of law in a country that purportedly values democracy. If an attempt can be made to kill a fellow human simply for being part of a students’ movement, then the rest of us aren’t safe anymore. Hence, we need to speak out against these anachronistic characters who want to turn our country into a jungle governed by brute force.
“We urge all Nigerians to stand against this brazen daylight thuggery against someone who is merely protecting the interests of students who gave him the mandate. We also warn Ladoja not to rule with an iron fist over people who don’t want him to rule them.
“Leadership is not by force, and one doesn’t need killing or harassing fellow students before one’s government can be widely recognised. We understand that Ladoja is an APC agent, and it’s Seyi Tinubu who plotted him to cripple the students’ movement. Since they are unable to achieve this, they want to govern by all means possible.
“However, Ladoja should know that if the gods of earth don’t see him, the one in heaven is watching him clearly. Seyi Tinubu needs to understand that being the President’s son doesn’t equate to being omnipotent. He should tread softly and never allow power to intoxicate him. We have had many Presidents, and regardless of the years his father might use, he will leave power one day. It’s essential for him to learn from history and respect the rights of others.
“We stand in solidarity with Comrade Atiku Isah, NANS President, at this time and urge all Nigerians to demand Justice for him, we equally urge the media, civil societies, international organisations, and all persons to support Atiku Isah.
“If they succeed in killing him, no one will be safe and if justice is not done, what these evil elements will do in the future will be worse. By this, we are in solidarity with Isah Atiku against Seyi Tinubu and his cohorts, who seem to behave like they are above the law. On behalf of all the students in Osun, we wish Comrade Isah well and assure students that we shall continue to protect their interests.”
“Let this serve as a warning to all those who think they can use brute force to silence the voices of reason and justice. We will not be intimidated, and we will continue to speak out against any form of oppression,” the statement added.
– SaharaReporters
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