Eric Patrick
Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly, Aondona Dajoh, has ordered the immediate release of youths detained during recent protests across the state.
The directive was issued on Tuesday during an emergency plenary session convened in response to growing public criticism over the arrests.
The protests were held to express frustration over the persistent insecurity affecting various parts of Benue State.
Addressing lawmakers on the Assembly floor, Dajoh reaffirmed the Assembly’s commitment to upholding democratic values and the constitutional rights of citizens.
“Peaceful protest is a constitutional right,” he said.
“No one should be punished for exercising their voice in a democratic society.”
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His remarks were met with applause from fellow lawmakers and welcomed by civil rights advocates, who praised the move as a strong stand for civil liberties.
Dajoh also urged security agencies to respect the rights of peaceful protesters and to conduct future engagements with professionalism and restraint.
The Assembly further resolved to investigate the circumstances surrounding the arrests and to engage with relevant authorities to prevent similar incidents in the future.