By The Alliance of Nigerian Students Against Neo-Liberal Attacks (ANSA) has condemned the violent disruption of a protest held in Ibadan over the abduction of teachers and students in Ogbomoso, accusing some student leaders and political associates of the Oyo State Government of sponsoring the attack.
In a statement issued by its National Coordinator, Joshua Temitope Oladepo and dated June 2, 2026, ANSA described the incident as an assault on democratic rights and freedom of expression, alleging that armed thugs attacked peaceful demonstrators who had gathered to demand the rescue of 47 abducted teachers and students.
The group claimed that the protesters were attacked by individuals allegedly linked to the leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) and officials associated with the Oyo State Government.
According to ANSA, eyewitness accounts and reports circulating in the media indicated that the attackers were armed with dangerous weapons and targeted unarmed protesters, including women and children.
The organisation said the incident represented a departure from the historic role of NANS as a platform for student activism and advocacy.
“NANS was built as a fighting organization of students. It stood against military dictatorships, anti-people policies, tuition hikes and injustice. NANS was never created to defend governments against the people. It was never established to attack protesters,” the statement said.
ANSA further accused the current leadership of the student body of abandoning its responsibility to advocate for students and citizens affected by insecurity.
The group also held the Oyo State Government accountable for the actions of individuals it described as political agents, insisting that public officials must take responsibility when their associates are accused of involvement in attacks on peaceful gatherings.
“The governor cannot claim innocence while his aides and political associates openly coordinate attacks on peaceful protesters,” the statement added.
Despite the violence, ANSA maintained that the campaign for the release of the abducted victims would continue and urged Nigerians not to be discouraged by the incident.
The organisation reaffirmed its commitment to a nationwide protest against insecurity and called on students, workers, activists and other citizens to participate peacefully.
“Violence will not silence the people. Bullets cannot suppress the legitimate demand for justice. The abducted students and teachers must be rescued and reunited with their families,” ANSA stated.
The group announced that the next phase of the protest would take place at Iwo Road in Ibadan and other designated locations across the country, calling for mass participation in the demonstration.
