The Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone XI Command Headquarters, Osogbo, AIG Bassey Samuel Ewah has assured students of police protection and stronger collaboration with their leaders to promote peace and security across Osun and Oyo States.
AIG Ewah gave the assurance on Thursday during a courtesy visit by the executives of the National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS, South-West Zone, led by Comrade Josiah Adeyemo, to the Zone XI Headquarters in Osogbo.
The visit, according to a statement issued on Thursday by the Zonal Police Public Relations Officer, SP Ojedele Olanrewaju Tunji, was aimed at welcoming the AIG and strengthening relations between the police and the student community.
It was also intended to reaffirm NANS South-West Zone’s commitment to working with the Nigeria Police Force to promote sustainable peace and security in the two states under the zone's jurisdiction.
Speaking during the visit, Adeyemo congratulated Ewah on his assumption of duty and expressed the association’s readiness to collaborate with the police in creating a peaceful and secure environment for students and members of the public.
The NANS South-West leader said "student sensitisation remained a major priority of the association’s current leadership."
He stressed the importance of continuous engagement and public enlightenment in promoting responsible conduct and peaceful coexistence.
Responding, Ewah welcomed the delegation and described the student leaders as his children, expressing delight at their willingness to partner with the police in advancing peace, security and mutual understanding.
The AIG, who recalled his experience as a student unionist at the University of Calabar, called on student union leaders to take their responsibilities seriously.
He urged student representatives to "demonstrate discipline, maturity and responsibility in their leadership roles."
He added that effective student leadership required dialogue, sound judgement and a commitment to the welfare of those they represented.
Ewah assured the delegation that the Nigeria Police Force remained committed to protecting the fundamental rights of students and other citizens.
"The protection of lives and property remains a paramount responsibility of the police," he emphasised.
He also called on student leaders to educate their members on the need to shun violence, avoid unlawful activities and embrace dialogue when addressing grievances, while remaining focused on their academic pursuits and complying with the law.