Former Anambra State Governor and Labour Party 2023 Presidential candidate, Peter Obi has condemned the arrest and remand of 52 students in Ekpoma, Edo State, saying the Edo government should focus on fighting bandits instead of students who are protesting against insecurity.
The students were taken from their hostels at night for protesting against kidnappings and banditry in their area. Obi described the arrests as a “disturbing inversion of priorities” and urged authorities to redirect their efforts towards addressing insecurity rather than suppressing legitimate public outcry.
He emphasized that citizens have a right to voice their grievances, especially when it comes to safety and security, and that punishing protesters while kidnappers and bandits remain at large is “unacceptable and dangerous for democracy”.
“It is beyond belief that students were taken from their hostels at night simply for protesting, only to be treated as criminals. Meanwhile, the actual perpetrators, the bandits and kidnappers wreaking havoc, remain at large, unaccountable for their actions. Arresting young people for demanding safety is absolutely intolerable. Let us move forward with courage, not fear, in guiding our leadership.” Peter Obi said.
