Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Speaks Out Against AAU Student Arrests
The Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has condemned the arrest and continued detention of 52 students of Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, calling the move an assault on democratic freedoms and a troubling attempt to silence young Nigerians.
The students were detained after staging a peaceful protest on January 5 against rising kidnapping and insecurity in their communities. Akpoti-Uduaghan stressed that peaceful protest and civic engagement must be protected, not punished, in a democratic society.
“Dialogue, not detention, is the pathway to peace and progress,” she said, warning that criminalizing student protests undermines democratic values and deepens public distrust in government institutions.
Edo State Authorities Urged to Prioritize Insecurity Over Suppression
The senator faulted the response of Edo State authorities, saying the arrests reflect misplaced priorities at a time when residents face worsening insecurity and violent crimes, including kidnappings.
“The government of Edo State must focus its energy on addressing kidnappings and other forms of insecurity, rather than suppressing discerning and courageous voices who are speaking out about issues that affect their welfare and future,” Akpoti-Uduaghan said.
Peaceful Protest: A Democratic Right
Akpoti-Uduaghan highlighted that peaceful protest is a constitutionally guaranteed right and one of the most effective tools for citizens, especially young people, to demand accountability from government.
She noted that the detention of students for exercising their civic rights risks widening the gap between the government and the governed.
“Silencing students through arrests only fuels mistrust. Constructive engagement and honest dialogue are the responsible and democratic responses,” she added.
A Call for Youth Empowerment and Justice
The lawmaker said her intervention aligns with her longstanding advocacy for justice, youth empowerment, and protection of fundamental human rights, emphasizing that governments must engage young people rather than suppress them.
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