…Atiku Condemns Arrest of Ekpoma protester
….says APC hunts down students, negotiates with bandits
Monday Okpebholo, governor of Edo state, claims that a Nigerian based in Russia sponsored the protest in Ekpoma, Esan west LGA.
On Saturday, residents of Ekpoma and neighbouring communities took to the streets to protest the spate of kidnapping in the area.
The demonstration, which had youths including students of Ambrose Alli University (AAU) was marred by violence, with a military personnel reportedly shooting and injuring a 32-year-old protester, identified as Osagie Abraham.
Following the protest, a high court in Edo demanded 52 protesters following their arrest by the police.
In a statement on Tuesday by Patrick Ebojele, chief press secretary to the governor, Okpebholo described the protest as a “well-organised riot”, funded by a Nigerian living in Russia and others based overseas.
Okpebholo said the suspects arrested in connection with the incident were intercepted while allegedly heading to vandalise property, while others were identified from a viral video showing acts of arson.
The governor noted that the arrests were based on “clear evidence”, including video footage of violence and destruction, adding that those in custody were rioters and not peaceful protesters.
Okpebholo also said the incident had no connection with students or the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS).
The governor assured residents that the situation in Ekpoma is under control and that peace and normalcy are gradually returning.
He urged the public to ignore fake videos and unverified reports, and to remain calm and go about their lawful activities.
APC hunts down students, negotiates with bandits – Atiku on Ekpoma protest
Meanwhile, former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar has condemned the arrest and detention of students of Ambrose Alli University, AAU, Ekpoma, describing the action as a sign of growing intolerance under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
In a statement posted on his official X page on Tuesday, Atiku expressed concern over what he termed the “high-handedness” of the Federal Government in responding to students’ protests against insecurity in the Ekpoma area of Edo State.
According to him, it is unacceptable that authorities would respond to peaceful protests by arresting and detaining dozens of students, noting that the right to protest is guaranteed by the Nigerian Constitution and upheld by the courts.
Atiku reminded the Tinubu-led All Progressives Congress, APC, administration that the primary responsibility of government is the security and welfare of citizens, stressing that students should not be punished for raising legitimate concerns about their safety.
He further argued that if the same level of energy used in arresting protesters were applied to tackling terrorism and banditry, rather than negotiating with criminals, communities across the country would be safer.
The former Vice President called for the immediate and unconditional release of all those he described as unjustly detained for exercising their constitutional right to peaceful protest.
