Detained Students Regain Freedom Amid Public Outcry Over Insecurity Protest
The Edo State Government has released students of Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, who were arrested following a protest against rising insecurity in the university town.
The students were detained after residents and undergraduates took to the streets to protest persistent cases of kidnapping, robbery, and violent crimes in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State.
The protest, which occurred earlier this week, was triggered by growing fear among students and residents over frequent security breaches in the area. Demonstrators reportedly blocked major roads and demanded urgent government intervention to address the deteriorating safety situation.
However, security agencies later claimed that the peaceful protest was hijacked by hoodlums, leading to vandalism of public and private property. This development resulted in the arrest of several individuals, including AAU students.
Confirming the development on Thursday, the Edo State Government said that genuine AAU students among those arrested have now been released after due investigations.
Governor Monday Okpebholo, while addressing stakeholders, emphasized that his administration would not condone violence or destruction of property but acknowledged the right of citizens to express legitimate concerns.
The governor assured students and residents that the government is taking concrete steps to restore peace and strengthen security in Ekpoma and other parts of the state.
The state government urged students to always channel their grievances through lawful and peaceful means, warning that violent protests could undermine genuine demands.
Officials maintained that while insecurity remains a serious concern, dialogue and cooperation with security agencies remain the best path forward
The arrest of the students had sparked widespread reactions from civil society groups, student bodies, and concerned Nigerians, many of whom described the detentions as excessive.
With the students now released, attention has shifted back to the core issue of insecurity that prompted the protest, with renewed calls for lasting solutions to protect lives and property in Ekpoma.
The release of the AAU students marks a temporary calm in the situation, but residents insist that government action must go beyond arrests to addressing the root causes of insecurity in the university community.
