Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, the senator for Kogi Central, has denounced the arrest and purported custody of fifty-two students from Ambrose Alli University in Ekpoma, Edo State, calling it a serious attack on democratic principles and youth involvement.
The congressman emphasized that peaceful protest and civic engagement should never be criminalized in a solidarity statement released on Tuesday, January 13, warning that the repression of student voices through arrests and incarceration poses a severe threat to democracy.
When young people voice concerns about their future, Akpoti-Uduaghan emphasized that meaningful dialogue—rather than force—remains the only viable route to peace and prosperity.
“The path to peace and progress is dialogue, not detention,” she stated. Speaking out and protesting about issues that impact their future, welfare, and environment should not be criminalized for our young people.
“We demand that they be released from detention immediately.”
The senator criticized the way Edo State officials handled the tragedy and urged the government to shift its emphasis back to the state’s citizens’ deteriorating security condition.
She said that the increasing number of violent crimes, including kidnappings, should take precedence over what she called the silencing of brave voices.
“Rather than stifling wise and brave voices, the government of Edo State must concentrate on addressing the concerns of kidnappings and other forms of insecurity,” she said.
Akpoti-Uduaghan emphasized that peaceful protest is still a constitutionally protected right and a crucial instrument for accountability, particularly for young people and students whose lives and futures are directly impacted by the results of government.
“Silencing students through arrests only widens the gap between government and the governed and deepens mistrust,” she continued. The appropriate reactions are participation and open communication.
The senator stated that her action is consistent with her long-standing dedication to justice, democratic liberties, and youth empowerment and reiterated her support for the jailed students and their families.
According to the report, a coordinated nocturnal operation by Nigeria Police Force agents in Ekpoma resulted in the remand of at least fifty-two Ambrose Alli University (AAU) students in a penitentiary facility.
After being detained late at night, the students were prosecuted in court for allegedly taking part in a demonstration against the deteriorating security conditions in Edo State that had taken place the Saturday before.
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) responded to the event by denouncing the students’ ongoing imprisonment.
NANS called the detention “ridiculous, unacceptable, and deeply disturbing” in a statement released on Monday and signed by its National Public Relations Officer, Adeyemi Ajasa.
The student body argued that people should not face psychological anguish, intimidation, or harassment when they exercise their constitutional right to peaceful protest.
The Edo State Police Command, however, justified their actions, saying that thugs had taken over the demonstration.
The police said that during the protest, the alleged thugs vandalized the palace of Zaiki Anthony Abumere II, the Onojie of Ekpoma, attacked vendors, and set tires on fire.
