Alleged Attack On Student Leaders: Arrested Suspected Political Thugs Have Exonerated Osun Deputy Governor – NANS

The leadership of National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS, Osun axis, has claimed that the arrested suspected political thugs have exonerated the deputy governor of Osun State, Prince Kola Adewusi of his alleged involvement in the attack of the student leaders while on their way to Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife to solidarize with OAU students on the tuition fee increment by the management of the university.

In a statement on Thursday signed by the chairman of NANS Osun, Ogungbe Taiwo, General Secretary, Afolabi Faruq and PRO, Adedapo Emmanuel, said two suspected political thugs have been arrested and have confirmed that they acted independently and that the deputy governor was not involved.

They added that a meeting has been scheduled with the deputy governor, the commissioner of police, the leadership of transport workers and the leadership of NANS Osun Axis to further address this matter.

According to the statement, “Following our earlier release with reference number 16, the leadership of NANS JCC Osun Axis would like to provide an update to the general public regarding the incident involving the attack on our leadership.

“Subsequent to our previous release, the deputy Governor reached out to the leadership of the Students in the State and distanced himself from the individuals involved in the attack. He has assured us of his commitment to assist in apprehending and dealing with these culprits, claiming no association with them.

“Yesterday, with the assistance of the Area Commandant, the leadership of NANS JCC Osun Axis successfully made arrests of some of the criminals responsible for this heinous act against our students. While the investigation is still ongoing and efforts are being made to apprehend the remaining individuals, two people have been arrested and are currently transferred to the State CID in Osogbo.

“In regard to the involvement of the deputy governor, he has denied any association with these individuals. The apprehended culprits themselves have confirmed that they acted independently and the deputy governor was not involved. As of the time of this release, the leadership of NANS JCC Osun Axis is still in the company of the Commissioner of Police, and the investigation is proceeding.

“A meeting has been scheduled with the deputy governor, the commissioner of police, the leadership of OSTM, and the leadership of NANS JCC Osun Axis to further address this matter.

“While the investigation is ongoing, we would like to take this opportunity to express our gratitude to all students who have shown concern about this issue. We also extend our appreciation to the efforts of the Commissioner of Police, Area Commandant, Ife Division, and NANS leaders who have stood in solidarity with us. We will continue to keep the public informed as the situation progresses.”

Effort to speak with the Osun State Police Spokesperson, Opalola Yemisi proved abortive as she didn’t respond to calls and messages of our correspondent.

• Sodiq Lawal