NANS Director of Strategic Engagement Condemns Killings, Jungle Justice, Backs 'Black Tuesday' Declaration

The Director of Strategic Engagement, Office of the Secretary General National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Comrade Oladeji Israel Victor, has strongly condemned the recent wave of killings and acts of jungle justice across Nigeria, describing them as barbaric, unlawful, and a grave threat to the safety of students and young people. He expressed deep concern over the increasing incidents of violence that have claimed the lives of students in different parts of the country, insisting that no Nigerian deserves to be denied the right to life through mob action or criminal attacks.

Speaking in support of the National Secretariat's declaration of Tuesday, July 28, 2026, as "Black Tuesday," Comrade Oladeji said the symbolic action reflects the collective grief of Nigerian students over the persistent insecurity affecting campuses and communities nationwide. He noted that students have continued to fall victim to killings, kidnappings, armed robbery, banditry, and jungle justice in states including Adamawa, Ondo, Gombe, Bauchi, Osun, Nasarawa, Bayelsa, Plateau, and Ogun.

The Director emphasized that the growing culture of jungle justice must be rejected by all Nigerians, stressing that taking the law into one's hands only fuels lawlessness and undermines the nation's justice system. He urged citizens to always allow security agencies to investigate and prosecute suspected offenders through lawful means, adding that the lives of innocent people must never be endangered by mob violence or unverified allegations.

Comrade Oladeji further called on the Federal Government, state governments, and relevant security agencies to intensify efforts toward protecting students and ensuring that educational institutions remain safe environments for learning. According to him, the recurring attacks on students have created fear and uncertainty, making it increasingly difficult for young Nigerians to pursue their education without concerns for their personal safety.

Reaffirming NANS' unwavering commitment to the welfare and protection of Nigerian students, Comrade Oladeji Israel Victor urged all stakeholders to unite in ending killings, kidnappings, armed robbery, banditry, and jungle justice across the country. He maintained that every Nigerian student deserves to live, learn, and thrive in a secure environment, adding that "an injury to one student is an injury to all," while calling for swift action to restore public confidence in the nation's security architecture.