The National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS, has demanded the immediate and unconditional release of 52 students of Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo State, who were on Monday remanded in prison custody by a court.

According to reports that the students were arrested while protesting against the rising cases of kidnapping and abduction in Ekpoma and environs.

The National Public Relations Officer of NANS, Comrade Adeyemi Ajasa, in a statement said the students were demanding that the government should live up to its responsibility of protecting lives and properties and should not be bundled into prison custody.

Parts of the statement read: “The National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS, strongly condemns the continued detention and court remand of fifty-two (52) students of Ambrose Alli University who peacefully protested against the rising cases of kidnapping and insecurity affecting students and their host communities.

“It is 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. Peaceful protest is not a crime, and demanding safety should never be met with repression.

“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. Nigerian students deserve safety, not suppression.”