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 on Monday during a protest over security concerns in the community.
In a statement issued on Friday and signed by the National President, Comrade Oladoja Olushola, the association explained that a profiling exercise conducted after the arrests showed that 38 of the detainees were students of Ambrose Alli University, while the remaining 14 were youths from the host community.
NANS stated that it decided to intervene on behalf of all those arrested, including the non-students, citing the close relationship between the students and the local youths.
According to the statement, “The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) national leadership hereby confirms the release of the fifty-two (52) youths detained for the protest in Edo State. Our profiling findings revealed that 38 of the arrested youths are students of the Ambrose Ali University in Ekpoma, while the remaining 14 are youth members of the community. Nevertheless, recognising the interconnectedness of our youth and student population, NANS favorably negotiated the release of all 52 people arrested in connection with the protest and the dropping of all associated charges.”
NANS commended the Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, describing his response as open-minded and responsible. The association noted that the governor’s willingness to engage in dialogue rather than adopt a rigid approach helped to defuse tensions and prevented the situation from deteriorating into wider unrest capable of disrupting governance in the state.
The association further stated that the outcome of the negotiations demonstrated the value of strategic engagement and dialogue in resolving grievances. According to NANS, the resolution showed that disputes can be settled peacefully when all parties recognise their leverage and commit to non-violent negotiations in the interest of peace and public prosperity.
While reaffirming the constitutional right of citizens to protest, NANS stressed its preference for dialogue, negotiation, and structured engagement over confrontation, warning that constant clashes with authorities could damage relationships and hinder societal progress.
NANS also acknowledged the roles played by key institutions and officials, including the State Security Service, the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, the Minister for Youth Development, Honourable Olawande Emmanuel Ayodele, the Edo State Commissioner for Education, Dr. Paddy Iyamu, and the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Student Engagement, Honourable Asefon Sunday Dayo. The association said their interventions were instrumental in facilitating communication, building trust, and ensuring the timely release of the detainees.
The statement clarified that although there was an early commitment to free the students, due process had to be followed to ensure proper documentation, verification, and identification of those arrested before their release.
NANS also expressed appreciation to student leaders in Edo State, including 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, as well as the broader Nigerian student community and other stakeholders for their roles in resolving the issue.
At the same time, the association condemned acts of stealing, destruction, and other criminal activities carried out under the guise of protest.
It cautioned students and youths across the country against social vices capable of undermining law and order and disrupting peaceful coexistence, while reaffirming its commitment to lawful advocacy and partnerships aimed at advancing youth and student development in Nigeria.
What you should know
The release of the 52 youths highlights the growing role of student bodies in mediating conflicts between authorities and young people.
NANS’ intervention underscores the importance of dialogue in addressing protests linked to security and governance concerns, especially in university communities. The episode also reflects the delicate balance between the constitutional right to protest and the need to maintain public order.
By prioritising negotiation and due process, the resolution helped prevent escalation and reinforced the value of peaceful engagement in resolving disputes involving students and host communities.
