Former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, has strongly condemned the arrest and remand of 52 students in Ekpoma, Edo State, for protesting against the rising insecurity in their community.
The students had staged a protest demanding an end to the rampant kidnappings and banditry plaguing the region.
In a statement released on Tuesday, Obi described the arrests as a troubling and unjust response to what he considered a legitimate civic action.
He emphasised that punishing citizens who raise their voices against insecurity is not only unacceptable but also dangerous for democracy.
Obi said, “I have just been made aware of the alarming arrest and remand of 52 students in Ekpoma, Edo State, who bravely called for an end to the terror of kidnappers and bandits plaguing their community.”
He further pointed out that the students were taken from their hostels during the night simply for protesting, describing this as a disturbing inversion of priorities by the authorities.
The former presidential candidate expressed disbelief that students were being treated as criminals for standing up against the very threats that have devastated their neighbourhoods.
He criticised the authorities for taking action against the protesters, while the actual criminals, the bandits and kidnappers, continue to operate with impunity.
Obi added, “It is beyond belief that students were taken from their hostels at night simply for protesting, only to be treated as criminals.
“Meanwhile, the actual perpetrators, the bandits and kidnappers wreaking havoc, remain at large, unaccountable for their actions.”
Obi stressed that the ongoing insecurity in the region is a significant issue, and as long as the situation remains unresolved, more protests will be expected.
He reiterated that the conflict is not between citizens and the government, but rather a united effort to combat the criminals who are terrorising communities.
The former governor concluded by saying, “Arresting young people for demanding safety is absolutely intolerable. Let us move forward with courage, not fear, in guiding our leadership.”