The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has issued a stern ultimatum to security agencies, demanding an immediate and thorough investigation into the alleged killing of Godwin Francis Akpakpan, a 300-level student of the Faculty of Education at the University of Port Harcourt.
Akpakpan was reportedly arrested by individuals in police uniforms during a stop-and-search operation in Port Harcourt on the night of April 16. According to eyewitness accounts relayed by NANS, the student was taken into custody and was being transported when a confrontation occurred between the arresting officers and unidentified individuals dressed in military attire. The clash allegedly resulted in a gunfire exchange, during which Akpakpan was fatally shot. No security agency has accepted responsibility for the incident.
In a statement to the press, Chairman of the NANS Rivers State Joint Campus Council, Comrade Jokiel Gideon Chinonso, condemned the killing and described the silence from the security agencies as unacceptable. He warned that the student body would not hesitate to occupy major streets and shut down campuses nationwide if justice is not served.
“This is not just about Godwin. It’s about every Nigerian student who could fall victim to unchecked brutality. We demand accountability,” Chinonso said.
NANS is calling for the immediate identification and prosecution of those responsible, stressing that the student community is prepared to take drastic action should the matter be ignored.
