FG Mourns Death of NANS Leaders

Governor Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom

By Chineme Okafor and Okon Bassey  
The federal government Friday expressed shock over the death of the Senate President of the National Association of Nigerian Students, Donald Onukaogu and four others in a car crash on their way to Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

Also Friday, Governor Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom State called for a probe of the riot that led to the death of two students and the destruction of property worth millions of naira at the University of Uyo.

Minister of Education, Prof. Ruqayyatu Ahmed Rufa'i said in a statement from the ministry Friday in Abuja “the passing of the NANS leaders in such manner was painful.”

Rufa'i who described the late Onukaogu as a committed leader, explained that he worked for the peaceful coexistence of Nigerian students at all levels in his capacity as the leader of the parliamentary arm of NANS.

Students of Engineering and Science Departments of UNIUYO reportedly led their colleagues last Wednesday on a demonstration on the town campus against a new transport fare regime introduced by the school’s administration.

In the course of the protest two students were killed; and in retaliation, the offices of the Vice Chancellor and Deputy Vice Chancellor were burnt, while several cars and security posts were vandalised.

Akpabio, who was conducted round the scene of the incident by the Vice Chancellor of the university, Professor Comfort Ekpo in company with the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic), Professor Paul Ekwere and Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration), Professor Okon Ansa, described the destruction “as criminal, targeted and pre-meditated.” 

culled from thisdaylive