The National Association of Nigerian Students has condoled with the family of Elvis Magam, a 300 level student of the University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom state, who died at the association’s Zone B convention.
A statement by NANS President, Chinonso Obasi, on Tuesday in Abuja said Magam was shot dead by suspected cultists at the Federal University, Otuoke, Bayelsa State.
Obasi commended the Bayelsa State Police Command and the Department of State Services for their swift response and arrest of suspects, adding that the culprits should be prosecuted accordingly.
Obasi said the opening ceremony of the convention witnessed clashes among contending aspirants over who would represent the state at the Zonal leadership of NANS.
He said: “It is unfortunate that some misguided youths parading as students were drafted in by some aspirants to frustrate the efforts of the organisers.
“The national leadership of NANS salutes the promptness with which the security agencies apprehended some suspects and clearly wish to state that the association is interested in the arrest, investigation and prosecution of all those involved including their sponsors.
“It is crude, inhuman and unfathomable that young people now resort to arms possession and usage in clearly a student’s election.”
According to Obasi, NANS’ disapproval of such desperation is evident in its numerous efforts at sensitising and preaching peace.
He said NANS’ leadership would assist the security agencies in their ongoing investigation in order to ensure that Magam’s family got justice.
The NANS president called on students who participated at the convention to assist the security agencies in fishing out all those involved in the mindless killing of a fellow student.
Asuquo Amba, the Commissioner of Police in Bayelsa State, on Monday confirmed the incident, adding that some arrests had been made.