The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has strongly condemned the continued detention of 52 students of Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, Edo State, who were remanded following a protest against the worsening wave of kidnapping and insecurity in the state. The development has sparked widespread outrage across Nigeria, particularly among students, civil society groups, and social media users who argue that the authorities have chosen repression over addressing the root causes of insecurity.
The protest, which took place in Ekpoma, was organised by students and concerned residents who say they have lived in fear for months due to frequent cases of abduction, violent attacks, and killings around the university community. According to eyewitnesses, the demonstration was largely peaceful, with protesters chanting slogans and carrying placards demanding improved security, increased police patrols, and decisive action from the Edo State Government to protect lives and property.
However, the situation took a dramatic turn when security operatives reportedly moved in to disperse the protesters. Several students were arrested during and after the protest, while others were allegedly picked up later in midnight raids on hostels and off-campus residences. The arrested students were subsequently arraigned and remanded in custody, with reports indicating they could spend up to 14 days in detention pending further legal proceedings.
Reacting to the development, NANS issued a statement condemning what it described as a “heavy-handed and unjust response” to legitimate student grievances. The association stated that protesting against insecurity is a constitutional right and not a criminal offence. “It is unacceptable that students who spoke out against kidnapping and fear are now being treated as criminals, while the actual perpetrators of these crimes roam freely,” a NANS official was quoted as saying.
Despite the condemnation, the response from NANS has itself come under intense criticism from students and members of the public, many of whom believe the association’s reaction lacks substance. On social media, the hashtag #FREEAAUSTUDENTSNOW quickly began trending, with users expressing frustration over what they described as NANS’ “toothless” approach. A user identified as Duke of Olumo Rock wrote, “Only condemned? Show them what NANS is made of. Immediate release of all students or riot.”
Another social media commentator, Bryan Isaac, lamented what he saw as a familiar pattern of empty statements, saying, “Ndi condemn oil!”—a sarcastic remark suggesting that condemnation without action has become routine in Nigeria. Similarly, DOZIE EZE described NANS as a “toothless bulldog,” arguing that the association has lost its historical reputation for radical student activism.
Some comments were even more scathing. A user identified as EIM wrote, “You are supposed to take action as students, not condemning. You are cowards!” while another, King Madu, bluntly stated, “They can only speak against it, they can’t do anything.” These reactions reflect a growing sense of disillusionment among Nigerian students who feel abandoned by institutions meant to represent and defend them.
Beyond criticism of NANS, much of the anger has been directed at the government and security agencies. UNCLE ENZO, a prominent commentator, described the arrests as “outrageous,” adding, “Instead of hunting down the real kidnappers terrorizing Ekpoma and Edo State, the authorities are midnight-raiding hostels and remanding 52 innocent students who dared to protest against the very insecurity that’s making life unbearable for everyone.”
Others questioned the priorities of law enforcement. PontiffVoice wrote, “Nigeria is the only place where you get arrested for complaining about being kidnapped. The jokes write themselves. Police are moving faster to arrest students than they move when there’s an actual kidnapping. Priorities are in the mud.” This sentiment was echoed by several users who argued that the crackdown on protesters sends a dangerous message about civic engagement in Nigeria.
Students within AAU have also expressed fear and uncertainty following the arrests. A final-year student, who spoke anonymously for fear of victimisation, told The Nigeria Education News, “We protested because we are scared of being kidnapped on our way to class or hostels. Now, instead of making us feel safer, they are arresting us. It feels like punishment for speaking out.”
Parents and guardians have equally raised concerns, calling for the immediate release of the detained students. One parent said, “These children were only asking to be protected. Locking them up will not stop kidnappers; it will only destroy trust in government.” Human rights activists have also warned that continued detention could escalate tensions and provoke wider unrest among students nationwide.
Meanwhile, calls are growing for NANS to go beyond statements and adopt concrete measures, including legal action, nationwide student protests, and engagement with relevant authorities. Victor Essang posed a question many are now asking: “What do you think are the next steps for the National Association of Nigerian Students to effectively advocate for these detained students?”
As of the time of filing this report, Edo State authorities and the police have yet to issue a detailed public explanation justifying the detention of the students. The silence has only fueled speculation and anger, with many interpreting it as evidence of official indifference to both insecurity and students’ welfare.
The detention of the 52 AAU students has now become more than a local issue; it has evolved into a national symbol of the tension between citizen protest and state power. Whether NANS will rise to the moment with decisive action or remain confined to verbal condemnation remains to be seen. What is clear, however, is that the voices demanding justice, security, and the immediate release of the detained students are growing louder by the day.
