Okpo Student Killing: Family Rejects Settlement, Demands Arrest as Police, DSS Launch Full Investigation

By: Michael Mike

Abuja, May 3, 2026 — Authorities have intensified investigations into the killing of a nursing student in Okpo, Kogi State, as the bereaved family of Andrew Amehson firmly rejected any form of settlement and insisted on justice, declaring “no justice, no burial.”

Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS) have now taken over the case, following mounting public outrage and pressure from community groups over the circumstances surrounding the student’s death.

Andrew Amehson, a student of Grimad Nursing School in Anyigba, was allegedly beaten to death on April 28, 2026, by security personnel at Nana College of Nursing Sciences, Ibana in Okpo—an incident that has sparked protests and calls for accountability across Olamaboro Local Government Area.

Authorities Move In

Confirming the development, the Chairman of Olamaboro Local Government disclosed that the homicide unit of the State Criminal Investigation Department has commenced a full-scale probe in Okpo.

According to him, the Kogi State Commissioner of Police, Naziru Bello, has been briefed, while the state government’s Security Adviser, Commander Duro Jerry Omodara (rtd), is also actively involved.

“The homicide department is already on ground in Okpo. I have spoken with the Divisional Police Officer and relevant security authorities. We are committed to ensuring justice is served,” the chairman said.

He further revealed that the proprietor of Nana College of Nursing Sciences, who is currently hospitalised, has agreed to present himself for questioning once discharged.

While urging calm, the chairman commended the family for their restraint and peaceful conduct despite the provocation, assuring them that the government would not shield anyone found culpable.

“We Want Justice, Not Money” — Family

The victim’s family, however, remains resolute in its demand for justice, rejecting any form of financial inducement or backdoor settlement.

Speaking during a visit by youths who had earlier held a candlelight procession in honour of the deceased, Andrew’s elder brother, Solomon Aziko, stated that the family’s position is non-negotiable.

“We are not begging anyone. We are not hungry. Nobody will intimidate us with money. All we want is justice. Those who killed my brother must be arrested and face the full weight of the law,” he said.

He also dismissed claims that representatives of the school had reached out to the family, clarifying that a lawyer who visited was a personal acquaintance and not acting on behalf of the institution.

“Our stand is clear: no justice, no burial. If they cannot arrest those responsible, they should return the body to the school,” he added.

The victim’s mother, visibly distraught, echoed the demand, insisting that burial rites would not proceed until justice is achieved.

“Let them find those who killed my son. That is all I want. If they fail to do that, there will be no burial,” she said.

Andrew’s sister, Wisdom Aziko, also reaffirmed the family’s stance, stressing that prosecution must begin before any funeral arrangements are considered.

Student Body Issues Ultimatum

Meanwhile, the National Association of Olamaboro Students (NAOS) has escalated pressure on authorities, issuing a 48-hour ultimatum demanding “visible and concrete action.”

In a statement, the association warned that failure to act before 11:59 PM on May 3, 2026, would trigger lawful protests across the area.

The group condemned the killing as a “gruesome act of brutality” and called for immediate arrest and prosecution of all individuals involved.

Growing Public Concern

The incident has fueled broader concerns about the use of excessive force by private security personnel in educational institutions, as well as the lack of oversight and accountability mechanisms.

As of press time, the Kogi State Police Command had yet to release an official statement. However, security sources confirmed that detectives and DSS operatives are actively pursuing leads, with multiple persons expected to be invited for questioning.

With tensions rising and public scrutiny intensifying, attention is now firmly on law enforcement authorities to deliver swift and transparent justice in a case that has come to symbolise the growing demand for accountability in Nigeria’s institutions.

Okpo Student Killing: Family Rejects Settlement, Demands Arrest as Police, DSS Launch Full Investigation