The students had staged a peaceful demonstration to draw the attention of the government and security agencies to the worsening security situation, particularly the frequent abduction of commuters and residents along major highways in the state.
AAU Ekpoma students arrested in Midnight Hostel Raids
According to eyewitness accounts, security operatives reportedly tracked the protesting students to their hostels late at night, carrying out coordinated arrests several hours after the protest had ended.
Students alleged that some of those arrested were asleep at the time of the raid, sparking accusations of intimidation and a clampdown on lawful dissent.
“They came in the middle of the night. Some students were sleeping when they were arrested. It felt like a witch-hunt,” a student source disclosed.
Paraded in Court, Remanded in Prison
On Tuesday, the arrested students were reportedly paraded before a court and subsequently remanded in prison custody pending further legal proceedings.
Although the full details of the charges have not been made public, sources indicate that the students may be facing allegations related to unlawful assembly and public disturbance.
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Public Outcry Over Arrests
The development has triggered widespread outrage on social media, with many Nigerians questioning why students protesting against insecurity were treated as criminals.
Human rights activists and civil society groups have condemned the arrests, describing them as an attack on freedom of expression and the right to peaceful protest.
Rising Insecurity in Edo State
Edo State has recorded several kidnapping incidents in recent months, especially along highways linking Ekpoma, Auchi, and Benin City. Residents have repeatedly called on the government to take decisive action to curb the menace.
As of the time of filing this report, neither the Edo State Government nor the Nigeria Police Force has issued an official statement regarding the arrests.
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