Heavy gunfire marred the old parade ground in Abuja, venue of the National Association of Nigerian Students NANS national convention.
NANS, representing tertiary institution students in Nigeria, convened to elect new national leaders.
According to SaharaReporters, the violence resulted in several students sustaining injuries.
The aggression reportedly began when thugs, allegedly supporting a candidate favoured by President Bola Tinubu’s son Seyi, attacked opposing delegates.
The group was said to be led by Sunday Asefon, recently appointed as Senior Special Assistant to President Tinubu on Students Engagements.
There was prior dissent regarding the candidacy of 48-year-old Lucky Emonefe for NANS president, who is reportedly supported by Seyi Tinubu.
Emonefe, having left the College of Education in Warri, Delta State, in 2003, is deemed unsuitable by some students and stakeholders.
It is understood that politicians have raised significant funds to sway the ongoing election in favour of Emonefe’s candidacy.
A student who spoke with the platform said, “It’s extremely shameful to see old men who should rather be more concerned about the lives and welfare of their wives and kids fighting for positions in the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS).
According to the platform, about seven other aspirants are contesting to be President of the students’ association.