The Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has called for the immediate release of 52 individuals arrested for protesting against kidnapping in the state. The protesters, mostly students from Ambrose Alli University (AAU) in Ekpoma, were detained on the orders of the state government. The PDP described the arrests as “oppressive, unlawful, and a blatant abuse of power.”
According to Dan Osa-Ogbegie, the party’s Publicity Secretary, the continued detention of the suspects is a worrying trend in the state. He stated that the government’s actions are “a dangerous descent into repression” and warned that Edo State is developing a reputation for punishing victims while protecting perpetrators. The PDP also condemned reports that a court had remanded the students for protesting insecurity, describing the development as a “dangerous” move.
The party criticized the state government’s handling of insecurity in Ekpoma, accusing it of incompetence, indifference, and authoritarianism. The PDP claimed that the government has abandoned Ekpoma to kidnappers and violent criminals, leaving residents living in fear. Instead of addressing the security concerns, the government has chosen to target peaceful protesters, the party alleged.
The PDP demanded that the state government and the Nigeria Police Force release all detainees and take concrete steps to secure Ekpoma and arrest the kidnappers. The party also called on the government to restore public confidence through lawful and transparent actions. The PDP expressed solidarity with the people of Ekpoma, particularly the students and residents who organized the peaceful protest against insecurity.
The party’s criticism of the state government’s security strategy comes amid rising concerns about kidnapping and violence in Ekpoma. The PDP accused the government of dismantling or neglecting the security framework inherited from the previous administration, leaving a vacuum that has been exploited by criminal gangs. The party urged the government to take responsibility for restoring security and to personally engage with the affected families.
The developments in Edo State have sparked concerns about the government’s commitment to protecting its citizens and upholding democratic values. The PDP’s demands for the release of the detained protesters and the government’s response will be closely watched in the coming days. As the situation unfolds, the international community will be monitoring the events in Edo State, with a focus on the government’s actions and their implications for human rights and the rule of law.
