The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Southwest Zone D, has expressed concern over what it described as a resurgence of cult-related killings and violent reprisals in Osun State, calling for sustained security action to prevent further loss of life.

In a statement signed by the Coordinator of NANS Southwest Zone D, Comrade Adeyemo Josiah Kayode, popularly known as BILLIONCODES, the association said recent reports of violence in Osogbo showed that security concerns associated with the period surrounding the August 15 governorship election had not completely disappeared.

NANS Southwest referred to a recent suspected rival cult clash in Osogbo which reportedly left two persons dead and several others injured.

The association said the development should prompt authorities to move beyond temporary responses and establish a coordinated strategy capable of disrupting violent groups before further attacks occur.

According to NANS Southwest, the conclusion of the governorship election should mark an end to political confrontations, reprisals and other forms of organised street violence that threaten the safety of residents and students.

“The election has been conducted, a winner has emerged, and Osun people have moved forward,” the association stated, arguing that political contests should never become a permanent justification for criminal activity.

NANS wants sustained security operation

NANS Southwest called on the Osun State Government to work closely with the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Amotekun Corps and other relevant security agencies to address violent networks operating across identified flashpoints.

While acknowledging reported deployments of tactical police personnel following recent incidents, the student body maintained that security interventions should not be limited to emergency deployments after lives have already been lost.

It called instead for sustained intelligence gathering, investigation, disarmament where legally applicable, arrest of suspects and prosecution based on credible evidence.

The association also urged security agencies to investigate individuals who finance, recruit for or otherwise support violent groups.

It stressed that investigations and prosecutions should be conducted without regard to political affiliation, social status or personal connections.

“There must be no political protection, no sacred cows and no selective justice,” NANS Southwest said.

Student body warns against election-era violence continuing

The association also raised concerns about the relationship between political thuggery, street violence and cult-related activity.

According to NANS Southwest, periods of heightened political competition can create opportunities for young people to be recruited or mobilised for violent purposes.

It warned that anyone who became involved in violence during the election period should not regard the end of the political contest as permission to continue criminal activity.

NANS Southwest said political actors and other influential individuals must also avoid encouraging young people to participate in violence for temporary political objectives.

The association argued that young people often bear the long-term consequences of such involvement through arrest, prosecution, injury, retaliation or death.

“No political ambition is worth the life of a Nigerian student,” the statement said.

‘Cultism offers no future’

Addressing students and young people directly, NANS Southwest urged them to reject cultism and other violent groups.

The association said cult-related involvement could jeopardise education, personal freedom and future opportunities while exposing families to avoidable tragedy.

It also cautioned students against allowing themselves to be recruited by politicians, criminal gangs or individuals seeking people to carry out violent acts on their behalf.

NANS Southwest maintained that students should channel their energy towards education, legitimate activism, entrepreneurship, innovation and other activities capable of improving their future.

SUGs, NANS structures asked to intensify sensitisation

The Zone D leadership called on Students’ Union Governments, NANS structures, campus associations and other recognised student leadership bodies across Osun State to strengthen campaigns against cultism.

It urged campus leaders to report credible attempts to recruit students into violent groups or use tertiary institutions and surrounding student communities as hideouts for criminal activity.

According to the association, campuses must remain places for learning, intellectual development and responsible student advocacy.

“Our campuses must remain centres of learning, innovation and responsible student activism, not recruitment grounds for cult groups or political thuggery,” NANS Southwest stated.

Communities also have a role

NANS Southwest said tackling violent groups would require more than law-enforcement operations.

It appealed to parents, traditional institutions, religious organisations and community leaders to support efforts aimed at discouraging young people from joining cult groups.

The association said communities should not shield suspected perpetrators simply because they are relatives, political associates or acquaintances.

It argued that intelligence from residents and community stakeholders could help security agencies identify threats before they escalate into retaliatory attacks.

Call for peace after election

NANS Southwest said the period following the election should be devoted to governance, reconciliation and development rather than renewed political confrontation.

The association maintained that Osun State had already experienced enough violence and loss of life and urged all stakeholders to prioritise peace irrespective of political differences.

It also pledged to continue advocating for an environment in which students can study, live and travel without fear of being caught in cult clashes or politically connected violence.

According to NANS Southwest, restoring lasting peace must ultimately involve security agencies, government institutions, student leaders and communities working together.

“Osun belongs to all of us, and protecting its peace must rise above politics,” the association concluded.

The statement was signed by Comrade Adeyemo Josiah Kayode (BILLIONCODES), Coordinator of NANS Southwest Zone D.