Tension rocked the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) inauguration event in Abuja today as Atiku Isah, the newly elected President of the association, alleged that Seyi Tinubu, son of Nigeria’s President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, led a group of armed thugs to disrupt the ceremony, threatening his life and intimidating attendees.
Speaking to journalists shortly after the incident, Isah claimed that the attackers stormed the venue just before the official inauguration was to commence. "I narrowly escaped what could have been a fatal encounter. Seyi Tinubu and his entourage came here with the sole aim of destabilizing this peaceful transition. He personally threatened to kill me," he said.
According to eyewitnesses, chaos ensued as security operatives attempted to control the situation. Several students were reportedly injured in the fracas, and property at the venue was damaged.
The motives behind the alleged attack remain unclear, but insiders suggest it may be linked to recent disputes within the student body and external political interests in the association’s leadership.
"This is an assault not just on me, but on Nigerian students and democratic principles. We will not be intimidated or silenced," Isah added, calling for an immediate investigation and the intervention of relevant authorities.
As of press time, there has been no official response from Seyi Tinubu or the presidency regarding the allegations.
NANS, the umbrella body of Nigerian students across tertiary institutions, plays a vital role in advocating for students' rights and has historically been a platform for youth activism and leadership.