The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) unequivocally condemns the arbitrary arrest and ongoing persecution of 52 students from Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, by the Edo State Government.
These students, who courageously led a peaceful protest against the escalating insecurity and rampant kidnappings plaguing the university community, have been unjustly detained and subjected to harassment in a clear attempt to silence dissent and evade accountability for the government’s failure to protect its citizens.
For months, students at AAU Ekpoma have endured a nightmare of constant kidnappings, armed robberies, and other security threats, with little to no intervention from the Edo State Government.
Despite repeated pleas from the student body and university authorities, the state has failed to implement effective measures to curb these criminal activities, leaving young Nigerians vulnerable and fearful for their lives.
In response, the arrested students exercised their constitutional right to peaceful assembly and protest, demanding urgent action to safeguard their education and well-being.
Instead of addressing the root cause of the unrest, and the government’s negligence, the authorities responded with brute force, arresting 52 innocent students on trumped up charges.
This draconian action not only violates the fundamental rights enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution, including freedom of expression and assembly, but also sets a dangerous precedent for the suppression of student activism across the nation.
NANS views this as a direct attack on the future of Nigeria’s youth, who are already grappling with economic hardships, inadequate infrastructure, and now, state sponsored intimidation.
The arrest of these 52 AAU students is nothing short of government intimidation and misplaced priority .
While kidnappers roam free, terrorizing our campuses, the Edo State Government chooses to persecute the victims who dare to speak out.
This is unacceptable and a betrayal of the trust placed in our leaders. We demand the immediate and unconditional release of all detained students, the dropping of all charges against them, and a comprehensive plan from the Edo State Government to tackle the insecurity crisis in Ekpoma and beyond.
Failure to act will compel NANS to mobilize nationwide protests and seek justice through all available legal and international channels.
NANS stands in solidarity with the affected students and their families, and we call on all well-meaning Nigerians, civil society organizations, human rights groups, and the international community to join us in condemning this injustice.
The Edo State Government must prioritize the safety of its students over political expediency. Education is a right, not a privilege, and no student should be punished for demanding a secure learning environment.
We urge the Inspector General of Police and relevant security agencies to investigate the circumstances surrounding these arrests and ensure that those responsible for this abuse of power are held accountable.
NANS will not rest until justice is served and the voices of Nigerian students are heard and respected.
Comr Atiku Isah
National President, NANS
