Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has strongly condemned the arrest and detention of 52 students of Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, Edo State, describing the action as an attempt to criminalise legitimate civic engagement by young Nigerians.
The students were arrested following a protest by residents and students of Ekpoma over the growing cases of kidnappings and killings in the area. The demonstration was aimed at drawing the attention of the government to the worsening security situation in Esan West Local Government Area.
Reacting to the incident, the Kogi Central senator stressed that peaceful protest is a constitutional right and should not be met with intimidation or detention. In a statement, she called for the immediate release of the students and urged the Edo State Government to prioritise dialogue over force.
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“Dialogue, not detention,” she stated.
“Our youths must not be criminalised for speaking up and protesting about issues that affect their environment, welfare and future. The government must focus on addressing kidnappings and other forms of insecurity, not suppressing discerning voices.”
Reports indicate that many of the affected students were allegedly arrested around 3 a.m. while sleeping in their hostels. They were reportedly transported in a Black Maria van and taken to court, after which were then remanded in prison.
The development has sparked public outrage, with rights advocates and concerned citizens condemning the arrests and calling for accountability, as pressure mounts on authorities to address insecurity rather than silence protesters.
