The Alliance of Nigerian Students Against Neo-Liberal Attacks (ANSA) has condemned the alleged attack on peaceful protesters in Ibadan, Oyo State, during a demonstration calling for the rescue and release of abducted teachers and students from Ogbomoso.
In a statement issued by its National Coordinator, Joshua Temitope Oladepo, the student group accused leaders of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) and political associates of the Oyo State Government of being involved in the disruption of the protest.
According to ANSA, protesters had gathered to draw attention to the worsening security situation and demand urgent action over the abduction of 47 teachers and students. The organisation alleged that individuals linked to NANS and the state government mobilised groups that attacked demonstrators during the protest.
The group specifically named Victor Olojede, Senior Special Assistant to Governor Seyi Makinde on Students’ Affairs; Akinteye Babatunde Babtee, whom it described as the NANS National President; and Uthman Olawale AbdulAzeez, also known as Industry, the NANS Joint Campus Committee (JCC) Chairman in Oyo State. ANSA alleged that the individuals coordinated or sponsored those responsible for the attack.
The organisation claimed that several protesters were injured during the incident and described the alleged attack as an assault on democratic rights and freedom of expression.
ANSA argued that NANS was historically established as a platform for defending students’ interests and resisting injustice, and expressed concern that the association was drifting away from those traditions.
The group further accused the Oyo State Government of failing to distance itself from the alleged actions of its political associates and called for accountability from all those involved.
Despite the incident, ANSA insisted that protests against insecurity would continue and urged students, workers, youth groups, civil society organisations, and other democratic forces to remain mobilised in support of demands for improved security and the safe return of abducted students and teachers.
As of the time of filing this report, the individuals named in the statement and the Oyo State Government had not publicly responded to the allegations. The claims made by ANSA could not be independently verified.
