Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP, Kogi Central) has condemned the arrest and alleged unlawful detention of 52 students of Ambrose Alli University (AAU), describing the action as a dangerous attempt to suppress democratic expression.
The statement of solidarity with the affected students was issued in Abuja on Tuesday.
The lawmaker called for the immediate release of the detained students, stressing that protest and civic engagement should never be criminalised in a democratic society.
“Dialogue, not detention, is the pathway to peace and progress. Our youths must not be punished for speaking up and protesting about issues that affect their environment, welfare, and future,” she said.
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Akpoti-Uduaghan criticised the handling of the situation by Edo State authorities, urging the government to prioritise rising insecurity, including kidnappings and other violent crimes.
“The government of Edo State must focus on tackling kidnappings and other threats to public safety, rather than suppressing discerning and courageous voices,” she added.
She emphasised that peaceful protest is a constitutional right and an essential tool for accountability, particularly for young people whose futures are directly affected by governance failures.
“Silencing students through arrests only deepens mistrust and widens the gap between government and the governed. Engagement and honest dialogue are the responsible responses,” the Senator said.
Akpoti-Uduaghan reaffirmed her solidarity with the detained students and their families, noting that her stance reflects her broader commitment to justice and youth empowerment.
