The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has hailed the release of the 52 youths detained over a recent violent protest in Edo State.
Confirming their release, the student body commended the governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, for his open-mindedness, sense of responsibility, and willingness to engage in constructive and meaningful dialogues with the leadership of NANS.
Comrade Oladoja Olushola, National President of NANS, in a press statement on Friday, said the group’s demands helped to prevent further tension that could deteriorate the situation further or escalate avoidable chaos.
“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.
“The constructive outcomes of the negotiations reinforce the importance and effectiveness of strategic engagement by students and youths when addressing their grievances.
“The achieved outcomes demonstrate that confrontations can be avoided when all parties agree to recognise their leverages and engage in non-violent negotiations in the interest of peace and public prosperity.
(Leadership)
