Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
The Human Rights Civil Society Watch of Nigeria has strongly criticised the arrest, detention, and remand of students of Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, following a recent protest over worsening kidnapping and insecurity in the town and its surrounding communities. In a press statement issued in Abuja, the organisation described the actions of security agencies and the Edo State Government as a troubling assault on fundamental freedoms and a reflection of misplaced priorities at a time when residents say fear and criminal violence are on the rise.
According to the group, the protest emerged after sustained anxiety among students and residents over repeated reports of abductions and violent crimes in Ekpoma. The organisation said the demonstration was peaceful and driven by frustration over what it characterised as prolonged government inaction. It argued that the decision to arrest protesters, including students who were allegedly picked up from hostels rather than protest grounds, represented a serious abuse of power and a violation of constitutionally guaranteed rights.
The rights group placed responsibility squarely on the Edo State Government, led by Governor Monday Okpebholo, accusing the administration of failing to meet its constitutional obligation to protect lives and property. It cited provisions of the 1999 Constitution that assign government the duty of ensuring the security and welfare of the people, contending that insecurity in Ekpoma has been allowed to fester without decisive intervention. In its view, the protest was not an act of lawlessness but a reaction to fear, grief, and the absence of effective security measures.
Human Rights Civil Society Watch of Nigeria expressed particular concern over what it described as the criminalisation of legitimate dissent. The organisation said while authorities have struggled to decisively confront kidnappers and violent criminals, they acted swiftly against unarmed students exercising their rights to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression. It warned that the deployment of serious criminal charges against protesters suggested an effort to intimidate young people and discourage civic participation, rather than a genuine attempt to maintain public order.
The group further argued that the reported remand of the students in prison custody set a dangerous precedent in a democratic society. It maintained that punishing citizens for demanding accountability while perpetrators of violent crime remain at large undermines public confidence in government and the justice system. In its assessment, such actions risk deepening social tension and alienation, particularly among youths who already feel vulnerable and unheard.
Beyond the immediate case, the organisation framed the incident as part of a broader pattern in which state authorities respond to public criticism with repression instead of dialogue. It warned that shrinking civic space and intolerance of peaceful protest could have long-term consequences for democratic culture and stability. The statement emphasised that peaceful protest is a lawful means of engagement, not a criminal act, and that demanding safety from government is a civic right rather than an offence.
The organisation also highlighted the emotional and psychological impact of the arrests on students and their families. It noted that many young people in Ekpoma are already grappling with fear linked to insecurity, academic disruption, and economic pressure, and that detention and prosecution compound these stresses. According to the group, the use of force and incarceration against students sends a chilling message that could discourage lawful engagement and fuel resentment.
Human Rights Civil Society Watch of Nigeria called on the Edo State Government to reassess its approach and prioritise dialogue, transparency, and effective security responses. It argued that addressing the root causes of insecurity, improving intelligence gathering, and ensuring visible protection for communities would do far more to restore calm than punitive action against protesters. The organisation insisted that public safety cannot be achieved by silencing those who speak out about their fears.
The statement also appealed to national institutions and professional bodies to take interest in the case. It urged the National Human Rights Commission, civil society organisations, and the Nigerian Bar Association to monitor developments closely and ensure that due process is respected. The group suggested that broader scrutiny is necessary to prevent abuses and to reinforce the principle that rights are not suspended during moments of public dissent.
International attention, the organisation added, could also play a role in encouraging accountability and adherence to democratic norms. It stressed that Nigeria’s reputation as a constitutional democracy depends on how authorities handle dissent and protect civil liberties, particularly in moments of tension. The group warned that failure to uphold these standards could damage public trust and Nigeria’s standing among democratic nations.
In concluding its statement, the organisation drew a stark contrast between government responses to insecurity and to protest. It argued that an administration that reacts harshly to peaceful demonstrations while appearing unable to curb violent crime risks losing moral authority. The group called for the immediate and unconditional release of all detained students and the withdrawal of charges related to the protest, urging authorities to choose engagement over repression.
The case has reignited debate in Edo State about security, youth activism, and the limits of state power. For many observers, it raises fundamental questions about how governments should respond when citizens protest out of fear for their safety. As the situation unfolds, attention remains focused on whether authorities will de-escalate tensions through dialogue and reform, or whether the confrontation will deepen mistrust between the state and its young citizens.
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