Group Dmands Release of 48 Federal Poly Bauchi Students Arrested Over Protest

Our Editor

The Youth Arise Movement has called for the immediate and unconditional release of 48 students of the Federal Polytechnic Bauchi arrested during a protest against rising cases of armed robbery on campus.

The Bauchi State Police Command had on Tuesday confirmed the arrests, claiming they followed a security breach during the protest. Police Public Relations Officer, Ahmed Wakil, said officers acted on intelligence that unidentified hoodlums scaled the school’s fence and forcefully took students’ phones. He disclosed that 48 protesters and 16 suspected robbers were apprehended.

In a statement on Wednesday, the group’s convener, Babatunde Ademola, condemned the arrests, insisting the protest was peaceful, lawful, and organised. He accused the police of responding to legitimate demands for safety with excessive force.

“On Tuesday, August 12, 2025, students of the Federal Polytechnic Bauchi took to the streets in a peaceful demonstration to demand protection, accountability, and urgent action from authorities following repeated violent robberies that endangered their lives and disrupted academic activities. Instead of responding with concern, the police arrested 48 students in an attempt to silence their cry for safety,” Ademola stated.

He demanded the dropping of all charges, a public apology from law enforcement agencies, and an investigation into the robbery incidents and alleged security lapses.

“It is not a crime to demand safety. It is not a crime to call for justice,” Ademola said, urging civil society organisations, human rights groups, academic institutions, and the public to join the campaign for the students’ release.

“Students are not criminals. They are citizens demanding accountability, dignity, and a better future,” he added.

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