NANS President, Oladoja Condemns Angwan Rukuba Community’s Violent Attack, Demands Urgent Security Redress to Prevent Further Insecurity

NANS CONDEMN THE VIOLENT ATTACK IN ANGWAN RUKUBA COMMUNITY IN PLATEAU STATE, AND DEMANDS URGENT SECURITY REDRESS TO PREVENT FURTHER INSECURITY IN NIGERIA

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) strongly condemns the heinous armed attack that occurred on Sunday evening in Gari Ya Waye community in Angwan Rukuba, Jos North LGA of Plateau State. This tragic incident, which has led to the loss of innocent lives, is yet another stark reminder of the worsening security situation across the country. Beyond the deteriorating insecurity in the country, this attack reminds communities in Jos North of forgotten years of violent attacks of which conflict transformation and post-conflict reconstruction efforts are aiming to address.

Nigerian students are deeply concerned about the deteriorating state of security nationwide, as Plateau State is becoming a hotbed for perennial armed attacks. Besides, it is particularly worrying that these violent attacks are no longer confined to remote or rural communities but are now increasingly occurring within urban settlements where citizens should ordinarily feel safe. This disturbing trend that is emerging nationwide underscores the urgent need for decisive and coordinated action by relevant authorities. Action in this instance is not one that compares the prodigal son to violent acts perpetrated by enemies of the state who should ordinarily be punished for their gross inhumanity to fellow humans.

Security is not an entitlement reserved for a select few; instead, it is a fundamental right of every citizen. The continued failure to guarantee this right represents a grave breach of the social contract between the state and the people. As a matter of emphasis, it has become imperative that our discourse and response to rising insecurity in the country goes beyond rhetoric, but integrates elements of significant and decisive actions that the perpetrators must feel and understand.

Therefore, NANS calls on security agencies and the Federal and State Governments to swiftly identify and apprehend the perpetrators of this attack. Justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done. In essence, identifying and punishing the perpetrators of this heinous act must transparently delivered as this method will offer closure and healing to victims who have lost loved ones. Holding the perpetrators accountable will serve as a deterrent to others who engage in escalating chaos and inflicting pain on fellow citizens, and help restore public confidence in the nation’s security architecture.

Similarly, we also caution that security services must tread carefully and act with urgency in addressing the situation to prevent a total breakdown of law and order. This action transcends imposing curfews and failing to take the appropriate steps to deal with the perpetrators. From experience, failure to act decisively may trigger retaliatory attacks, further escalating tensions and deepening insecurity across affected communities, especially in a state where identity is already deeply polarised.

As we demand action, NANS extends our heartfelt condolences to the families who have lost loved ones in this senseless act of violence. We stand in solidarity with them during this difficult time even as we urge the government to provide adequate support to those affected. The experiences with which the affected families will need to grapple is not easy to navigate, particularly following the manner with which their loved ones met their untimely demise.

Hence, we emphasise the urgent need for local authorities within the state to significantly improve security provisions. The protection of lives and property remains the primary duty of the government. Failure to address these recurring security breaches risks pushing citizens toward self-help measures, which could further destabilise communities and undermine the rule of law and the hardwork of different stakeholders in improving security and social cohesion in Plateau State.

NANS reiterates its commitment to advocating for the safety and well-being of all Nigerians, especially students, who deserve to live and learn in a secure environment. Therefore, we will not be quiet, but consistently use our voices and agency to advance and demand for the delivery of greater good for all citizens.

Signed:
Comrade Oladoja Olushola,
President, National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS)