By Victoria Yakubu
The Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) in charge of Zone 11, Bassey Ewah, has assured students of police protection and urged them to embrace dialogue in resolving grievances and conducting peaceful protests.
Ewah gave the assurance while receiving executives of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), South-West Zone, led by Comrade Josiah Adeyemo, at the Zone 11 Headquarters in Osogbo, Osun State.
According to a statement issued on Thursday by the Zonal Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Superintendent of Police (SP) Ojedele Olanrewaju Tunji, the visit was aimed at welcoming Ewah to the zone and strengthening relations between the police and students to promote peace and security in Osun and Oyo states.
Adeyemo congratulated Ewah on his assumption of duty and expressed the association’s readiness to collaborate with the police to create a safe environment for students and the public.
He said student sensitisation remained a priority of the NANS South-West Zone leadership, adding that regular engagement and public enlightenment would help build a peaceful and responsible society.
Responding, Ewah welcomed the delegation and described the student leaders as his children. He expressed delight at their willingness to work with the police to promote peace, security and mutual understanding between officers and students.
Drawing from his experience as a student unionist at the University of Calabar, the AIG advised the student leaders on their responsibilities and the need to engage constructively with relevant authorities.
He urged them to lead with discipline, maturity and a strong sense of responsibility, emphasising dialogue as a means of addressing issues affecting students.
Ewah reaffirmed the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to protecting the fundamental rights of students and other citizens, noting that the protection of lives and property remained a core responsibility of the police.
He also urged the student leaders to educate their members on the dangers of violence, violent protests and other unlawful activities.
The AIG encouraged them to resolve disagreements through dialogue, obey the law and remain focused on their academic pursuits. He further urged them to promote peaceful coexistence and conduct their activities responsibly.
He stressed that cooperation between the police and the student community was essential to maintaining security and fostering mutual trust.
The meeting ended with both parties reaffirming their commitment to strengthening their partnership, protecting students’ rights and promoting peace and security across Zone 11, which covers Osun and Oyo states.
