Was There A Recent Face-Off Between Nigerian Soldiers And Youths In Edo State?
A 1 minute, 7 seconds video showing a face-off between the military and protesters has gone viral on X.
This video was posted on X by verified blogging handle, @Instablog9ja on March 31, 2025 with the claim that the protest happened in Edo state. The video shows soldiers and police officers trying to control a protesting crowd, with the caption: “Nigerian Army versus Edo Youths”.
As of the time this report was published, the post had over 1,000,000 views. In the comment section @DanielRegha wrote, “The officers were about to shoot, imagine that, on protesters who were neither violent or life threatening. Good thing the protesters stayed united while unbothered. These are the issues, too many incompetent officers with arms, quick to intimidate the masses but barely flex power on terrorists.” while @phemidawhiz said “I’m happy seeing them retaliate like this but what is the issue. Did the military shoot one of them?”.
Similar claims with the same captions and video were posted on X, here, here and here.
VERIFICATION
A Google reverse image search analysis of screenshots from the video indicates that its initial online presence occurred on March 27, 2025, with the accompanying caption ‘What’s happening in Akure lately?? NANS protest against Govt Neglect”.
On March 27, 2025, the National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS, South-West Zone D, organised a peaceful protest in Akure, Ondo State, to express concerns over escalating insecurity affecting students. It was reported that the demonstration took place on Oba Adesida Road near the ‘A’ Division Police Station, drawing attention to issues such as kidnappings that have hindered students from attending internships and farm activities.
In response, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa met with NANS leaders, commending their peaceful approach and acknowledging their right to advocate for improved educational conditions. He outlined steps his administration is taking to address their concerns, including increasing funding to tertiary institutions, ensuring timely payment of bursaries and scholarships, and directing the Ministry of Infrastructure to rehabilitate internal roads within campuses. Additionally, the governor assured that security agencies are collaborating to enhance safety within school environments.
The NANS leadership appreciated the governor’s prompt response and commitment to resolving their issues, emphasising their intent to monitor the implementation of these promises to ensure tangible improvements for students in Ondo State.
CONCLUSION
The circulating video of a face-off between soldiers and protesters, claiming it happened in Edo state is MISLEADING. The incident happened in Akure, Ondo state when the National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS organised a peaceful protest to press home their demands for better security.
