By OBSERVERS TIMES
Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) intervened on Tuesday in Abuja to rescue Hon. Abubakar Isa Atiku, a factional President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), after a rival faction disrupted his attempt to inaugurate parallel executives, escalating into a violent confrontation.
Security sources revealed that the disruption occurred at the Wells Carlton hotel in Abuja, the designated venue for Atiku’s inauguration. Another NANS faction, led by Hon. Olusola Ladoja, reportedly arrived at the hotel, triggering a clash between the two groups.
The ensuing melee sent attendees, including prominent figures like former Kano State Governor Alhaji Ibrahim Shekarau and former Kogi State Governor Idris Wada, scrambling for safety. Students from both factions engaged in physical combat, and one individual, identified as Mustapha (aka Musty), reportedly sustained a cut on his right arm.
Sources further indicated that Ladoja’s faction ultimately overpowered Atiku’s group and abducted Abubakar Isa Atiku. DSS operatives swiftly responded, pursued the group, and successfully rescued Atiku, who had sustained multiple machete wounds by the time of his rescue.
Following the incident, DSS operatives recovered a pistol and a machete from the scene. An investigation into the ownership of these weapons is reportedly underway.
The security source confirmed that Abubakar Isa Atiku is currently receiving medical treatment at a security hospital.
The clash underscores the ongoing leadership crisis within NANS. Both Olusola Ladoja and Abubakar Isa Atiku have been claiming the national presidency of the student body since parallel national conventions were held in Abuja on February 27, 2025, with each faction declaring victory.
