The Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has condemned the arrest and alleged detention of 52 students of Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo State, describing the action as a grave assault on democratic values and youth participation.
In a solidarity statement issued on Tuesday, January 13, the lawmaker warned that the suppression of student voices through arrests and detention poses a serious threat to democracy, stressing that peaceful protest and civic engagement must never be criminalised.
Akpoti-Uduaghan insisted that meaningful dialogue, rather than force, remains the only sustainable path to peace and development, particularly when young people raise concerns about their future.
She said, “Dialogue, not detention, is the pathway to peace and progress. Our youths must not be criminalised for speaking up and protesting about issues that affect their environment, welfare, and future.
“We demand their immediate release from detention.”
The senator faulted the handling of the incident by authorities in Edo State, urging the government to refocus its attention on the worsening security situation confronting residents of the state.
According to her, the rising cases of kidnappings and other violent crimes should be prioritised over what she described as the silencing of courageous voices.
“The government of Edo State must focus on addressing the concerns of kidnappings and other forms of insecurity, rather than suppressing discerning and courageous voices,” she stated.
Akpoti-Uduaghan emphasised that peaceful protest remains a constitutionally guaranteed right and an essential tool for accountability, especially for students and young people whose lives and futures are directly shaped by governance outcomes.
She added, “Silencing students through arrests only deepens mistrust and widens the gap between government and the governed. Engagement and honest dialogue are the responsible responses.”
The lawmaker reaffirmed her solidarity with the detained students and their families, noting that her intervention aligns with her long-standing commitment to justice, democratic freedoms and youth empowerment.
Naijaonpoint had reported that no fewer than 52 students of Ambrose Alli University (AAU) were remanded in a correctional facility following a coordinated midnight operation by operatives of the Nigeria Police Force in Ekpoma.
The students were arrested late at night and subsequently charged in court for allegedly participating in a protest held the previous Saturday over the worsening security situation in Edo State.
Reacting to the development, the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) also condemned the continued detention of the students.
In a statement issued on Monday and signed by its National Public Relations Officer, Adeyemi Ajasa, NANS described the detention as “ridiculous, unacceptable, and deeply disturbing.”
The student body insisted that individuals exercising their constitutional right to peaceful protest should not be subjected to intimidation, harassment or psychological trauma.
However, the Edo State Police Command defended its action, claiming that the protest was hijacked by hoodlums.
According to the police, the suspected hoodlums attacked traders, burnt tyres, and vandalised the palace of the Onojie of Ekpoma, Zaiki Anthony Abumere II, during the protest.