Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has criticized the Federal Government over the arrest of 52 students of Ambrose Ali University (AAU) who protested against insecurity in Ekpoma, Edo State.
Atiku made the remarks in a statement released on Friday, highlighting the tyranny of the Tinubu administration.
His comments came amid renewed security insecurity in the state, with growing concerns about citizens’ right to protest.
what he said
Mr. Atiku condemned the arrest of the students, calling it unacceptable and stressing that the right to protest is enshrined in the constitution and upheld by the courts.
He criticized the government for focusing on detaining students instead of prioritizing the fight against terrorism and banditry.
“The level of intolerance and tyranny of the Bola Tinubu administration is alarming. It is unacceptable that the authorities’ response to student protests against insecurity in Ekpoma area of Edo State has been to arrest and detain dozens of Ambrose Ali University (AAU) students.”
Atiku further questioned the government’s priorities, suggesting that energy spent on student detention could be redirected to fighting crime.
“Our communities would be safer if the energy spent on arresting innocent students and civilians who provoke insecurity was spent fighting terrorism and robbery instead of negotiating with criminals,” he said.
The former vice president also emphasized constitutional rights and called for the immediate release of the detainees.
back story
The incident in Ekpoma began on January 10, 2026, when students and local residents took to the streets to protest the alarming spike in kidnappings and insecurity in the area.
The demonstrations were initially peaceful, but reportedly escalated as some protesters caused property damage, including looting stores and attacking local buildings. Viral footage and eyewitness accounts suggest the violence unfolded as crowds clashed with police and security personnel tasked with maintaining order.
Early on Monday morning, security forces conducted raids across Ekpoma and arrested a number of youths believed to be involved in the violence.
Some of those detained were reportedly picked up from hostels. According to reports, some relatives and legal representatives dispute that many people have not taken part in the protests or the resulting violence.
The Benin High Court has remanded 52 suspects from Ubiaya Correctional Center following their arraignment on charges of criminal damage to property and armed robbery.
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Senator Natasha Akpoti Uduagan also commented on the situation and called for dialogue instead of detention.
“Dialogue, not detention!!! Release the 52 detained AAU students. Young people who have spoken out and protested on issues that affect the environment, welfare, and future should not be criminalized.
“The Edo government must focus on addressing concerns about kidnapping and other forms of insecurity without suppressing discerning voices,” she said.
What you need to know
Edo State has been suffering from a worsening security crisis long before the recent Ekpoma protests. Kidnappings for ransom are common in many communities, forcing residents to stay indoors and disrupting daily life.
One of the most recent incidents occurred in December 2025, when the Edo State Police Command confirmed the rescue of 11 of the 18 passengers who were abducted by unknown gunmen along the Benin-Akure Expressway.
The victims were abducted on Friday, December 12, while traveling in a vehicle operated by a popular private transport company near Obalenren village in Ovia North East Local Government Area.
