Atiku Condemns Arrest Of AAU Students Over Edo Protest

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has criticised the Bola Tinubu-led administration over the arrest and detention of students of Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, Edo State, following protests against insecurity in the area, which turned violent, last weekend

In a statement posted on his Facebook page on Tuesday, Atiku described the government’s response as “intolerant” and “high-handed,” warning that such actions undermined constitutionally guaranteed rights.

“The level of intolerance and high-handedness of the Bola Tinubu administration is concerning,” Atiku said.

He stressed that peaceful protest is a fundamental right recognised by the Constitution and affirmed by the courts, adding that arresting students for expressing concerns about their safety was unacceptable.

“It is unacceptable that the authorities’ response to students’ protest against insecurity in the Ekpoma area of Edo State is to arrest and detain dozens of students of the Ambrose Alli University (AAU),” he said.

Atiku reminded the federal government that “the primary responsibility of government is the security and welfare of the citizens,” arguing that greater effort should be directed at tackling insecurity rather than suppressing dissent.

“If the energy with which innocent students and citizens are arrested for raising concerns about insecurity were deployed to fighting terrorism and banditry, instead of negotiating with the criminals, our communities would be safer,” he stated.

The former vice president called for the immediate release of those detained, describing their arrest as unjustified.

“I call for the immediate and unconstitutional release of all those unjustifiably detained for asserting their legitimate rights to protest,” Atiku stated.