By Danjuma Amodu
The Management of Nana College of Nursing, Okpo, has admitted that its security personnel used “excessive force” in the incident that led to the death of Andrew Ahmenson, describing the conduct as “unnecessary and unacceptable.” The school has pledged to cover full burial costs and overhaul its campus security protocols.
The statement, titled Reaffirming Our Values: A Statement from Nana College of Nursing, Okpo, comes amid rising tension in Olamaboro LGA following Ahmenson’s death on the school’s premises.
BACKGROUND: DEATH SPARKS OUTRAGE LEADING TO 72-HOUR ULTIMATUM
Andrew Ahmenson died last week after what the school described as an encounter with an “intruder on the premises.” Details of the confrontation sparked outrage across Olamaboro, with students and youth groups alleging that the victim was beaten to death by campus security.
On Saturday, Olamaboro students and youth issued a 72-hour notice to the institution to produce the security guards responsible for the brutal killing of the deceased. They also tasked the Police with the immediate arrest of those responsible, demanding that the “killers be prosecuted.” The ultimatum heightened fears of unrest in Okpo and surrounding communities, with youth leaders warning that failure to act would be met with mass action.
The incident has drawn attention to campus security practices in Kogi East, where schools have faced scrutiny over use of force and engagement rules with civilians.
MANAGEMENT ADMITS LAPSE, CONDEMNS CONDUCT
Responding on Sunday, the Management of Nana College of Nursing, Okpo, said the loss of life occurred “under circumstances that should never have escalated to such a tragic outcome.”
“While the initial breach of campus security posed a legitimate concern, the response by the security personnel on duty fell far short of the standards of professionalism, restraint, and human dignity that this institution upholds,” the statement read.
“The use of excessive force in managing the situation was both unnecessary and unacceptable. The Management unequivocally condemns this conduct. It does not reflect the values, training protocols, or ethical expectations of Nana College of Nursing, Okpo.”
The school called it a “grave lapse” that demands “not only internal reflection but decisive corrective action.”
BURIAL SUPPORT, SUSPENSIONS AND SECURITY REVIEW
The College said it has “taken full responsibility” and has reached out to the bereaved family.
“We stand in solidarity with them in this moment of grief and have undertaken to bear the full cost of burial arrangements, alongside other associated expenses, as a demonstration of our commitment to compassion and restitution,” Management stated.
It announced immediate steps, including:
Suspension of the personnel involved pending investigation.
Comprehensive review of campus security architecture, including a reassessment of engagement protocols for handling breaches.
Enhanced training modules focused on conflict de-escalation, human rights compliance, and emergency response ethics.
Independent oversight to ensure transparency and reinforce public trust.
CONTRADICTION FOR A HEALTH TRAINING INSTITUTION
Management acknowledged the weight of the incident for a nursing school.
“As an institution dedicated to the training of healthcare professionals, individuals who are expected to preserve life and uphold the highest standards of care, we recognize the profound contradiction this incident represents. It is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and it strengthens our resolve to ensure that such a tragedy never recurs.”
The school appealed for public understanding “as we work through this painful moment with honesty and diligence,” adding that its commitment remains “to uphold safety, dignity, and humanity in all aspects of our operations.”
As of press time, security agencies had not released an official statement on arrests. Youth leaders in Olamaboro said they were reviewing the school’s response but insisted that “justice must be seen to be done.”
Meanwhile, some youths are already venting their anger on the community WhatsApp platform.
Reacting to the statement, Abubakar Idoko, a frontline agitator for justice for Andrew, stated: “Painful. I expected to see something better. Just romancing this issue as though nobody died. If the deceased was my brother, I would have gone to any level to bring down that school and the unreasonable local vigilantes. However, we will see to the end of this, insha Allah.”
Another youth, known on WhatsApp as “De George,” raised questions he said were begging for answers:
“Offering to cover burial expenses, while compassionate, can come across as an attempt at restitution without justice. Financial support does not replace transparency or accountability. What people will want to know is:
Who gave the orders?
What exactly happened in those moments?
Will anyone be held legally responsible?”
The bereaved family could not be reached for comment as at press time.
