National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has condemned in strong terms the continued detention and court remand of 52 students of Ambrose Alli University who peacefully protested against the rising cases of kidnapping and insecurity affecting students and their host communities.

National Public Relations Officer of NANS, Comrade Samson Ajasa Adeyemi, in a statement on Monday, said Nigerian students deserve safety, not suppression.

Adeyemi said it was ridiculous, unacceptable, and deeply disturbing that students who exercised their constitutional right to peaceful protest are now being subjected to psychological trauma, intimidation, and the harsh experience of detention.

The students body insisted that peaceful protest is not a crime, and demanding safety should never be met with repression.

Adeyemi warned that NANS would not hesitate to mobilize and take all lawful steps necessary should these students not be released immediately and unconditionally.

“NANS categorically states that the government, the management of Ambrose Alli University, and the Nigeria Police Force must jointly ensure that nothing happens to any of the detained students.

“Their safety, physical and mental wellbeing must be guaranteed at all times.

We further demand the immediate and unconditional release of all 52 students. Any attempt to delay, manipulate, or justify their continued detention will be viewed as a deliberate act of oppression against the Nigerian student community.

“It is alarming that instead of addressing the genuine concerns of kidnapping and insecurity, authorities have chosen to criminalize students for speaking out. This approach is counterproductive, unjust, and capable of escalating tension.

“NANS stands in total solidarity with the affected students and their families.

“We will not hesitate to mobilize and take all lawful steps necessary should these students not be released immediately and unconditionally,” the statement added.

(Tribune)