By, Olawale Ogunbusola, Ibadan.

The National Association of Oduduwa Students [NAOS] has condemned the recent wave of killings and violent attacks in Osun State, expressing “deep concern and profound sadness” over reports linking political party-branded vehicles to the incidents.

In a press statement signed by its National President, Comrade Olalere Benedict Adetunji, the foremost Yoruba students’ body said the use of political party insignia during violent acts was “deeply troubling and must be addressed decisively.”

“Human life is sacred, and no political ambition, election, or struggle for power should ever result in the loss of innocent lives,” he stated.

NAOS said it was “particularly disturbed by reports suggesting that vehicles branded with political party insignia have appeared at scenes of violence.”

While urging security agencies to “establish the facts and determine responsibility through credible investigations,” the group warned that the “recurring incidents of violence in our political landscape are unacceptable and threaten the peace, unity, and democratic progress of Osun State and Nigeria as a whole.”

“Politics should be a platform for service, development, and healthy competition of ideas—not an avenue for intimidation, bloodshed, and destruction,” the statement read.

The students’ body reminded political actors that “No political office is worth the blood of any Nigerian citizen. No ambition should be pursued at the expense of human lives.”

It added that “A state cannot truly prosper when its citizens live in fear, and no administration can successfully govern a society devastated by avoidable violence.”

NAOS called on security agencies to conduct “thorough, impartial, and professional investigations into every reported incident and ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice without fear or favour.”

It also urged political leaders across party lines to “caution their supporters, reject violence, and demonstrate leadership by promoting peaceful political engagement.”

The group further charged the people of Osun, “particularly the youth, to resist every attempt to be recruited or manipulated into acts of political violence,” and called on traditional rulers, religious leaders and civil society to “intensify efforts toward dialogue, peace building, and conflict prevention.”

“NAOS believes that democracy flourishes through the ballot, not the bullet; through dialogue, not violence; and through respect for human dignity, not intimidation,” Adetunji said.

Meanwhile, the association concluded by praying that “the souls of those who lost their lives rest in peace, and may their families find strength and comfort during this difficult time.”