By Onyeanya Ebere Immaculata
The Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti Uduaghan, has condemned the arrest and continued detention of 52 students of Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo State, calling for their immediate release.
In a statement on Tuesday, Akpoti Uduaghan described the arrests as an attack on democratic expression, insisting that peaceful protest must not be criminalised. She said grievances raised by youths should be addressed through dialogue, not detention.
“Our youths must not be punished for speaking up about issues affecting their safety and future. We demand their immediate release,” she said.
The senator urged the Edo State Government to focus on tackling insecurity, including kidnappings, rather than silencing dissent. She warned that detaining students for protests only deepens public mistrust and undermines accountability.
The students were reportedly arrested after a protest last Saturday against worsening insecurity in Ekpoma.
Meanwhile, the National Association of Nigerian Students also condemned the detention, describing it as unacceptable. The Edo State Police Command, however, said the protest was hijacked by hoodlums who allegedly vandalised property, including the palace of the Onojie of Ekpoma.
