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By Oscar Okhifo
Natasha Osawaru, wife of Nigerian music legend 2Baba and member of the Edo State House of Assembly, has urged calm following the recent unrest in Ekpoma and the arrest of some students of Ambrose Alli University (AAU).
In a statement on her X handle on Monday, Osawaru acknowledged the legitimate security concerns of the students but praised Governor Monday Okpebholo for the swift release of those confirmed to be uninvolved in the disturbances. She warned that some protests had been hijacked by miscreants seeking to exploit the situation for their own ends.
Osawaru urged all stakeholders, including students, community leaders, and authorities, to work together to ensure that protests remain peaceful.
She stressed the importance of vigilance, responsible civic engagement, and support for initiatives like the Students’ Health, Information, and Network Empowerment (SHINE) programme.
“The safety and well-being of our students must remain a priority. Peaceful engagement and cooperation with authorities are the way forward,” she said.
She added, “While the right to peaceful protest is fundamental, it must not be allowed to degenerate into violence or be manipulated by criminal elements.
” Dialogue, restraint, and mutual understanding are essential to resolving grievances and sustaining peace in Ekpoma.” She said.
Meanwhile, security agencies continue to monitor developments in Ekpoma, urging students and residents to stay calm, obey the law, and prioritize peaceful dialogue to resolve grievances.