The National Association of Nigerian Students has refuted reports that a student was killed during its recently concluded convention in Osun State, clarifying that the tragic incident occurred hours after the official proceedings had ended.
A national daily had reported that one Ademiju Ayeni, popularly called “Jago,” was stabbed to death at the convention venue, the NUJ Secretariat in Osogbo. But the student body has urged the public to disregard what it described as misleading information.
In a statement issued by Zone D NANS Coordinator, Comrade Adeyemo Josiah, the association explained that the convention was conducted within a controlled and secure environment, with security personnel present throughout the exercise .
“The official proceedings were conducted within the controlled premises of the NUJ Council, Capital Road, Osogbo. Accreditation and access were handled by the Convention Planning Committee, while personnel of the Nigeria Police Force, DSS and other security formations were present throughout the exercise,” he said .
According to the NANS coordinator, an earlier verbal disagreement involving the deceased and some persons was observed outside the convention gate, but security personnel and stakeholders intervened and the disagreement was resolved amicably. No stabbing was reported during that encounter .
He added that the convention proceedings were extensively documented through video recordings, live broadcasts, and media coverage, providing clear records of what transpired within the official convention environment .
“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,” Josiah said, cautioning against using the tragedy for political retaliation or propaganda .
The Osun State Police Command had earlier confirmed the death, saying Ayeni sustained a stab wound to his chest following a disagreement during the programme . However, NANS insists the fatal incident did not occur at the convention venue or during its official proceedings .
The police said an autopsy would be conducted as part of investigations into the circumstances surrounding the student’s death .
