Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, has condemned the arrest and alleged unlawful detention of 52 students of Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, describing the action as a dangerous attempt to suppress youth voices and democratic expression.
In a statement issued to journalists on Tuesday in Abuja, the senator called for the immediate and unconditional release of the detained students, insisting that protest and civic engagement should not be criminalised in a democratic society.
“Dialogue, not detention, is the pathway to peace and progress,” Akpoti-Uduaghan said. “Our youths must not be criminalised for speaking up and protesting about issues that affect their environment, welfare, and future.”
The lawmaker faulted the response of authorities in Edo State, urging the government to redirect its attention towards addressing the growing insecurity confronting residents, including kidnappings and other related crimes.
“The government of Edo State must concentrate on tackling kidnappings and other forms of insecurity, rather than suppressing discerning and courageous voices,” she stated.
Akpoti-Uduaghan emphasised that peaceful protest is a constitutionally guaranteed right and a vital instrument for accountability, particularly for young people whose lives and futures are directly affected by governance decisions. She warned that silencing students through arrests would only deepen public mistrust and widen the gap between the government and the governed.
According to her, constructive engagement and sincere dialogue remain the most responsible and sustainable approaches to resolving grievances in a democratic setting.
She concluded by reaffirming her solidarity with the detained students and their families, noting that her intervention aligns with her longstanding commitment to justice, democratic values and youth empowerment.
However, The News Chronicle reported that the 52 students were among several suspects arrested and arraigned before a court in Benin City on Monday over their alleged involvement in a protest against insecurity that reportedly turned violent in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State, on Saturday.
The report stated that investigations into the incident are ongoing, while authorities maintain that those arrested would be treated in accordance with the law.
