The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has strongly condemned the killing of Ismail Ishaq Magaji, a final-year student of Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University (IBBU), Lapai, Niger State.

Mr Magaji, who was reportedly hit by a military bullet in Wawa community, Borgu Local Government Area, during a protest over a land dispute, was a student of the public administration department.

In a statement on Friday, Obidah David, the spokesperson for NANS, said Mr Magaji’s death was a painful loss to his family, institution and student community at large.

“As a final-year student who had invested years in his education and was approaching the completion of his academic journey, his life was cut short under circumstances that required clear answers,” Mr David said.

He stated that the protection of lives, particularly those of young Nigerians pursuing education, must remain central to every security operation.

He therefore called on the government and relevant authorities to immediately institute a transparent, independent and comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.

“NANS acknowledges the sacrifices of Nigeria’s security forces in confronting terrorism, banditry and other security threats across the country,” he stated. 

Mr David said students are not combatants and that their presence in communities affected by security operations should never expose them to avoidable harm.

“We consequently urge the Nigerian Army and other relevant authorities to cooperate fully with the investigation and ensure that all relevant evidence, including operational records, ballistic materials, medical documentation, eyewitness accounts and available video footage, is preserved and properly examined,” he said.

NANS extended its sincere condolences to the family of the deceased, his colleagues, and his institution, urging students and members of the public to remain calm and law-abiding while the appropriate authorities conduct the necessary investigation.