2011 post-election violence must not repeat itself, NANS tells FG

Nigerian students have called on the Federal Government to prevent a repeat of the 2011 post-election violence that claimed the lives of some National Youth Service Corp, (NYSC) members.

The call was made by the National Association of Nigerian Students, (NANS) after its 70th Senate Meeting, held at the weekend and hosted by the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Benue state.

NANS Senate President, Comrade Thomas Roys Ochai, lauded the Army for its fight against the insurgency in North of the county and urged the FG to put measures in place to prevent violence after the 2015 polls.

“Senate commends the Nigerian Army for their relentless battle and successes so far recorded over the Boko Haram insurgents, we implore the Federal government to intensify efforts in the battle against the terror group until total victory is achieved," Ochai said.

He also urged students to stay resist any politician that attempts to recruit them for electoral violence.

“We implore students to be watchful and also resist any attempt to be used by some self-seeking politicians to perpetrate violence, in the forthcoming elections.”

As many as 10 NYSC members are reported to have lost their lives in the riots that broke out in different parts of Northern Nigeria after the 2011 elections.

Following the violence, President Goodluck Jonathan in May 2011 vowed that the killers would be arrested and donated N5 Million for each slain corps member’s family.