The leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Southwest Zone D, has disputed reports suggesting that a student was killed during the recently concluded NANS JCC Osun Axis Convention.

The association was reacting to narratives surrounding the death of Comrade Jago, a graduate of Osun State Polytechnic, Iree.

In a statement signed by the Zone D Coordinator, Comrade Adeyemo Josiah Kayode (BILLIONCODES), NANS said its preliminary fact-finding efforts had not established that Jago was stabbed or killed within the convention premises.

Adeyemo said he personally led efforts to establish the facts surrounding the incident, including engagements with the immediate past JCC Caretaker Committee, persons present at the convention, security personnel and officers of the Osun State Police Command.

He also visited the Dada Estate Police Division in Osogbo, where the matter was reportedly reported.

According to NANS, the convention took place at the NUJ Chapel, Capital Road, Osogbo, where accreditation and access were controlled by the Convention Planning Committee.

The organisation said officers of the Nigeria Police Force, DSS and other security formations were present during the convention.

It acknowledged that an argument involving the deceased and some persons was reportedly witnessed outside the gate.

However, NANS said the disagreement was resolved following intervention by security personnel and other stakeholders and that no stabbing was reported during the encounter.

The association said the convention was already concluded when participants and officials began receiving information concerning Jago's condition.

NANS said available accounts indicated that the deceased was subsequently in a vehicle away from the convention premises before reportedly complaining that he was unwell.

It said conflicting accounts now exist concerning the timing and location of any injury, the people around him and the events preceding his death.

The association therefore urged those who were with Jago during his final moments to assist investigators with firsthand accounts.

NANS also called on relevant police investigative and anti-cultism units to examine every credible angle surrounding the death.

While acknowledging reports suggesting a possible cult-related dimension, the organisation stressed that such reports should not be treated as established facts without evidence.

The student body further warned media practitioners against publishing unverified claims capable of damaging the reputation of innocent persons.

It equally urged student leaders and political actors not to weaponise the death in connection with disagreements arising from the student election.

NANS Southwest concluded that the available information does not establish that the fatal incident occurred during the official convention proceedings.

The association nevertheless stressed that anyone found responsible after a proper investigation should face the consequences of the law.