By Chimdiogo Amuh 

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has confirmed the release of 52 youths, including students of Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, Edo State, who were arrested during a protest over security concerns in the community.

In a statement issued on Friday and signed by its National President, Comrade Oladoja Olushola, NANS disclosed that profiling of the detainees revealed that 38 were students of Ambrose Alli University, while the remaining 14 were youths from the host community.

According to the association, it intervened to secure the release of both students and non-students, citing the close relationship and shared concerns between the two groups. Following negotiations, all 52 detainees were released and all charges against them were dropped.

NANS commended the Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, for his willingness to engage in dialogue and adopt a conciliatory approach rather than a hardline response. The association noted that the governor’s decision to embrace negotiation helped to ease tensions and prevented a possible escalation of the situation.

The student body stressed that the outcome of the engagement underscores the effectiveness of dialogue and non-violent negotiation in resolving grievances, adding that peaceful engagement remains a more productive approach than confrontation.

While reaffirming the constitutional right of citizens to protest, NANS urged students and youths to prioritise structured dialogue and lawful engagement with authorities to avoid actions that could strain relations with government institutions and undermine societal progress.

The association also expressed appreciation to the Department of State Services (DSS), 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, Asefon Sunday Dayo, for their roles in facilitating communication and ensuring the peaceful resolution of the matter.

NANS clarified that although there was an initial commitment to secure the students’ release earlier, due process had to be followed to ensure proper documentation and verification before their release.

The association further acknowledged the efforts of the Edo State Chairman of the NANS Joint Campus Committee, Comrade Yakubu Peter Odion, and the President of the AAU Students’ Union Government, Comrade Osadebamen Ainyanbhor Ehizojie, alongside other stakeholders, for their contributions to the successful resolution.

However, NANS condemned acts of theft, destruction of property, and other criminal activities carried out under the guise of protest, warning students and youths against behaviours capable of disrupting law and order.

It reaffirmed its commitment to defending the interests of Nigerian students, upholding the rule of law, and promoting peaceful advocacy, while pledging continued collaboration with government authorities and stakeholders to advance youth and student development in Nigeria.