By Our Correspondent
The Edo State Government has directed security agencies to release students of Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, who were arrested in connection with a protest against rising insecurity in the university town.
The directive followed days of public outrage, pressure from student bodies, and criticism from civil society organisations over the handling of the arrests.
The protest, which took place in Ekpoma, was organised to draw attention to growing cases of kidnapping and violent crime affecting students and residents. However, the situation escalated after security operatives arrested dozens of students, with reports indicating that some were taken from their hostels during late-night operations rather than from the protest venue itself.
Those arrested were later arraigned in court and remanded at the Ubiaja Correctional Centre, a development that further intensified criticism from rights advocates and student unions. Many described the arrests as disproportionate and argued that peaceful protest should not be criminalised.
In reaction to the backlash, Governor Monday Okpebholo ordered the identification and release of all genuine Ambrose Alli University students among those detained.
The governor maintained that intelligence reports suggested the protest was not officially organised by the university’s student leadership, alleging that non-students may have infiltrated the demonstration.
Student leaders at Ambrose Alli University rejected this claim, insisting that the protest reflected the genuine concerns of students over their safety.
They condemned the manner of the arrests, particularly the reported midnight raids, and described them as a violation of students’ rights.
Human rights groups, including SERAP, alongside the National Association of Nigerian Students and other advocacy organisations, demanded the immediate and unconditional release of the detainees.
They emphasised that citizens have a constitutional right to protest insecurity and urged the government to engage with students through dialogue rather than force.
The incident has sparked renewed debate nationwide on the protection of civil liberties, students’ rights, and the appropriate response to peaceful demonstrations.
While the Edo State Government has begun the process of releasing the affected students, stakeholders continue to call for accountability and stronger measures to address insecurity in Ekpoma.
