The National Association of Nigerian Students has demanded the immediate and unconditional release of 52 students of Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, who were remanded in prison custody following a protest over rising insecurity in Edo State.
The students were arrested on Monday while demonstrating against increasing cases of kidnapping and abduction in Ekpoma and surrounding communities. They were later arraigned and remanded by a court, a development that has drawn sharp criticism from the student body.
In a statement signed by its National Public Relations Officer, Comrade Adeyemi Ajasa, NANS condemned the detention of the students, describing it as unjust and unacceptable. The association stated that the protest was peaceful and aimed at drawing attention to the government’s responsibility to protect lives and property.
According to NANS, subjecting students to detention for expressing concerns over insecurity amounts to intimidation and psychological harassment. The association stressed that peaceful protest is a constitutional right and should not be treated as a criminal offence.
NANS further urged the Edo State Government, the management of Ambrose Alli University and the Nigeria Police Force to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the detained students, both physically and mentally.
The association warned that any delay or attempt to justify the continued detention of the students would be viewed as an act of oppression against Nigerian students nationwide. It added that authorities should focus on addressing the root causes of kidnapping and insecurity rather than criminalising those who speak out.
NANS declared its solidarity with the affected students and their families and vowed to take all lawful actions should the students not be released promptly.
The protest comes amid growing security concerns in Edo Central Senatorial District, which recently prompted the state government to direct schools in the area to delay resumption for the second term of the 2025 2026 academic session.
