Arresting Students Demanding Safety Is Intolerable — Peter Obi
Former Anambra State Governor and Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has condemned the arrest of students in Ekpoma, Edo State, describing it as intolerable to detain young people for demanding improved security.
Obi made the remark while reacting to the reported arrest of students who staged a protest over rising cases of insecurity and kidnapping in the area. He said students have a legitimate right to express concern over threats to their safety and should not be treated as criminals for exercising their constitutional rights.
According to Obi, peaceful protest is a core element of democracy, and arresting students for speaking out against insecurity sends a wrong signal and undermines public trust in government and security agencies. He urged authorities to listen to the grievances of the students and address the root causes of insecurity rather than resorting to repression.
The former governor called on the Edo State Government and security agencies to immediately release the detained students and engage in constructive dialogue to ensure the safety of residents, especially students.
The incident has continued to attract reactions from civil society groups and rights advocates, who are also calling for respect for human rights and improved security measures in the state.
