Distinguished Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has strongly condemned the arrest and alleged unlawful detention of 52 students of **Ambrose Alli University (AAU), describing the action as a dangerous suppression of youth voices and democratic expression.
In a solidarity statement issued on Tuesday, the Senator called for the immediate release of the detained students, insisting that protest and civic engagement must never be criminalised in a democratic society.
“Dialogue, not detention, is the pathway to peace and progress,” Akpoti-Uduaghan said. “Our youths must not be criminalised for speaking up and protesting about issues that affect their environment, welfare, and future.”
The lawmaker faulted the handling of the situation by authorities in Edo State, urging the government to redirect its attention toward the escalating insecurity confronting residents, including kidnappings and related crimes.
“The government of Edo State must focus on addressing the concerns of kidnappings and other forms of insecurity, rather than suppressing discerning and courageous voices,” she stated.
Akpoti-Uduaghan emphasized that peaceful protest is a constitutional right and a vital tool for accountability, especially for young people whose futures are directly impacted 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 added.
Concluding her message, she reaffirmed her solidarity with the detained students and their families, noting that her advocacy aligns with her broader commitment to justice and youth empowerment.
The statement was signed: “In solidarity, Senator Natasha H. Akpoti-Uduaghan, Concerned Kogi Central for Nigeria.”