Peter Obi, the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, has confronted the Edo State administration regarding the arrest and detention of 52 students from Ambrose Ali University, Ekpoma.
Obi asserted that penalising civilians for demonstrating against insecurity, while kidnappers and bandits operate freely, is intolerable and perilous for democracy.
He asserted that the arrests constituted a concerning reaction to a valid civic engagement, emphasising that the kids were highlighting the profound insecurity that has ravaged communities.
The former governor of Anambra State stated that the students were allegedly removed from their dorms at night for demonstrating against kidnappings and banditry in their region, a situation he described as a troubling reversal of priorities by the authorities.
I have recently learnt of the concerning arrest and detention of 52 kids in Ekpoma, Edo State, who courageously advocated for the cessation of the terror inflicted by kidnappers and bandits in their town. Confront bandits, not pupils.
“We must not penalise citizens for expressing legitimate concerns, particularly when they are opposing the tangible threats that have ravaged our communities.”
“It is inconceivable that students were removed from their hostels at night solely for protesting, only to be regarded as criminals.” Simultaneously, the true offenders, the bandits and kidnappers causing turmoil, remain at loose, unpunished for their actions,” Obi stated on X.