Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has condemned the Federal Government and Edo State authorities following the arrest and remand of 52 individuals in Ekpoma, calling the response to insecurity protests an “intolerant and heavy-handed” assault on constitutional rights.
Naijaonpoint reports that the arrests stemmed from a protest in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area, which began as a peaceful demonstration against rising kidnappings, including the recent abduction of Akhabhe Favour and the January 9 killing of a young man. The protest later escalated into violence, with reports of looting at a livestock market and the vandalisation of the Onojie of Ekpoma’s palace.
In a statement released on Tuesday, Atiku criticised the Bola Tinubu-led administration for suppressing civic expression while failing to address the country’s insecurity crisis.
“The level of intolerance and high-handedness of the Bola Tinubu administration is concerning,” Atiku said. “It is unacceptable that the authorities’ response to students’ protest against insecurity in Ekpoma is to arrest and detain dozens of students.”
He further argued that the judicial validation of the right to protest should protect citizens from repression when they voice grievances.
“If the energy with which innocent students and citizens are arrested were deployed to fighting terrorism and banditry, instead of negotiating with criminals, our communities would be safer,” he added.
He called for the immediate and unconditional release of those detained.
In contrast, the Edo State Government dismissed the unrest as a “well-organised riot,” accusing a Nigerian resident in Russia and others abroad of being responsible.
Patrick Ebojele, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Monday Okpebholo, clarified in a statement that the arrested individuals were rioters, not students.
He insisted that the Ambrose Alli University (AAU) campus, which had been closed for some time, had long vacated its hostels before the protests, refuting claims from some relatives that students were arrested from their beds.
The 52 suspects were arraigned on Monday before Justice William Aziegbemi of the Benin High Court, facing charges including armed robbery, arson, and malicious damage. However, the case was adjourned as Justice Aziegbemi ruled that the court lacked jurisdiction over the matter and directed that the defence file bail applications at the Ubiaja High Court. The suspects were subsequently remanded at the Ubiaja Correctional Centre, with the case adjourned until 26 February 2026.
In response to the unrest, the Edo State Police Command has redeployed the Divisional Police Officer of Ekpoma, posting CSP Tomofe Nwabueze to the area with immediate effect. Commissioner of Police Monday Agbonika also announced a reorganisation of the Ekpoma Division to improve security and prevent further incidents.
The disturbances have prompted the Edo State Government to postpone the resumption of schools in Edo Central Senatorial District for safety reasons.