Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has denounced the arrest and detention of 52 students in Ekpoma, Edo State, calling the action “utterly unacceptable” and a troubling violation of citizens’ rights to demand safety. In a statement shared on his X (formerly Twitter) account, Obi expressed his concern that students protesting against the rampant threat of kidnappers and bandits were treated as criminals rather than being protected.
Obi stated, “I have just been made aware of the alarming arrest and remand of 52 students in Ekpoma who bravely called for an end to the terror plaguing their community. This situation is utterly unacceptable. We cannot punish citizens for voicing legitimate grievances, especially when they confront real threats that have devastated our neighborhoods.”
He highlighted that these students were reportedly taken from their hostels at night for simply protesting, while the actual criminals responsible for the insecurity remain unpunished. “It is shocking that students were abducted from their homes for protesting, only to be treated as offenders, while the criminals continue to operate freely,” he added.
Obi warned that protests would persist as long as insecurity remains a concern, urging the government to view the situation as a call for action rather than confrontation. He emphasized the need for dialogue between authorities and students, advocating for decisive measures to reclaim communities from violence.
Describing the arrest as intolerable, Obi called for the immediate and unconditional release of the students. “Arresting young people for seeking safety is completely unacceptable. I urge the government to release these students now. Let us move forward with courage, not fear, in guiding our leadership.”
