No students killed at Osun convention – NANS

Osun State’s National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS, has categorically denied reports that a former student was killed during its recent convention in Osogbo. According to a statement released by Zone D NANS Coordinator, Comrade Adeyemo Josiah, no fatalities occurred during the official proceedings of the convention held at the NUJ Secretariat, Capital Road, Osogbo. A national newspaper previously reported that Ademiju Ayeni, known as “Jago,” was stabbed to death at the convention venue. However, NANS clarified that the deceased's death took place several hours after the conclusion of the convention. Josiah stated that the official meetings were confined to the controlled premises of the NUJ Council, with strict accreditation and access protocols enforced by the Convention Planning Committee. Security personnel from the Nigeria Police Force, DSS, and other agencies were stationed throughout the event. The convention was thoroughly documented via video recordings and live broadcasts, including on platforms such as TikTok Live. It also received coverage from national television stations. These records, according to Josiah, serve as additional proof of the activities that took place during the official convention period. He noted that an earlier verbal disagreement involving the deceased and others was observed outside the convention gate. Security personnel and stakeholders intervened, resolving the situation amicably. No act of violence was reported during that interaction. Josiah emphasized the importance of disseminating accurate information and urged the media to avoid spreading misinformation that could be exploited by individuals seeking to discredit the convention. He warned against using the incident as a tool for political retaliation or factional propaganda, particularly in light of ongoing tensions related to the recent JCC election. “The election has ended,” he said. “The death of a young man must not become an instrument for political retaliation, factional propaganda or another round of division within the Osun student constituency.” He further stressed that the current findings indicate no student was killed during the NANS JCC Osun Convention, and there is no evidence linking the fatal incident to the official convention proceedings. “Whatever eventually caused the death of Comrade Jago must be determined through a proper investigation based on witnesses, medical evidence, timelines and other credible evidence,” he added. “Whoever is established to be responsible must answer for his or her actions, but innocent individuals must equally not be condemned through rumours, assumptions or political interests.” NANS is currently conducting a thorough fact-finding process to determine the circumstances surrounding the deceased’s death. The organization is committed to ensuring that all parties involved receive due process, while maintaining transparency and integrity in its operations. The case remains under investigation, with the hope that a clear understanding of the events will emerge through rigorous inquiry.