National Association of Nigerian Students has condemned the continued detention of 52 students of Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, who were remanded after a protest against kidnapping and insecurity in Edo State.
In a statement issued by its National Public Relations Officer, Adeyemi Ajasa, NANS described the detention as unacceptable and disturbing, stressing that students have a constitutional right to peaceful protest and should not be harassed or intimidated for speaking out.
The association said demanding safety should not attract punishment, adding that peaceful protest is not a crime. It called on 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.
NANS demanded the immediate and unconditional release of all the students, warning that any delay or attempt to justify their detention would be seen as oppression against Nigerian students. It criticised authorities for focusing on arresting students instead of tackling the growing insecurity affecting campuses and host communities.
The student body also expressed solidarity with the affected students and their families, pledging to take all lawful actions if the students are not released. It said Nigerian students deserve protection, not suppression.
The students were remanded at the Ubiaja Correctional Centre by a Benin High Court over charges including malicious damage and armed robbery.
The presiding judge ruled that the court lacked jurisdiction and directed that bail applications be filed at the Ubiaja High Court, with the case adjourned.
Some of the students said they were arrested in the early hours of the morning while asleep in their hostels and denied taking part in the protest or the violence that followed.
The protest was later hijacked by hoodlums who attacked traders, burned tyres and vandalised the palace of the Onojie of Ekpoma, an incident that drew widespread condemnation.