Bukola Afeni
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has confirmed the release of 52 youths arrested in connection with a recent protest in Edo State.
In a statement issued on Friday and signed by its National President, Comrade Oladoja Olushola, NANS disclosed that 38 of the detainees are students of Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, while the remaining 14 are members of the host community.
According to the association, following profiling and negotiations with relevant authorities, it successfully secured the release of all 52 persons and the withdrawal of all charges filed against them.
NANS commended the Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, for what it described as his openness, sense of responsibility, and willingness to engage in constructive dialogue rather than adopt a hardline approach to the students’ demands.
The student body said the governor’s decision to embrace negotiation and strategic engagement helped to prevent further tension that could have escalated into chaos and disrupted governance in the state.
“The constructive outcomes of the negotiations reinforce the importance of strategic engagement by students and youths when addressing grievances,” the statement said, adding that peaceful dialogue remains a more effective approach than confrontation.
While reaffirming the constitutional right of citizens to protest, NANS urged students and youths to prioritise dialogue, negotiation, and structured engagement to avoid unnecessary clashes with authorities and promote societal progress.
The association also acknowledged the roles played by the State Security Service (SSS), the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, the Minister of Youth Development, Olawande Emmanuel Ayodele, the Edo State Commissioner for Education, Dr. Paddy Iyamu, and the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Student Engagement, Sunday Asefon Dayo, describing their interventions as crucial to the peaceful resolution of the matter.
NANS clarified that although there was an early commitment to release the detainees, due process had to be followed to ensure proper documentation, verification, and responsible reintegration of those arrested.
The association further appreciated the Edo State Chairman of NANS Joint Campus Committee (JCC), Comrade Yakubu Peter Odion, the President of the Students’ Union Government of Ambrose Alli University, Comrade Osadebamen Ainyanbhor Ehizojie, and other stakeholders for their roles in securing the release.
NANS reiterated its commitment to protecting the interests of Nigerian students, upholding the rule of law, and promoting peaceful and lawful advocacy across the country.
