By Charles Maduka
The Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party has criticised the arraignment and remand of students of Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, over their alleged involvement in a protest against insecurity in the town.
The party called for the immediate and unconditional release of the students, describing their detention as unjust and unacceptable. It also faulted the state government’s handling of security challenges in Ekpoma and surrounding communities.
In a statement issued by its Publicity Secretary, Dan Osa-Ogbegie, the PDP alleged that Ekpoma had been left at the mercy of kidnappers and violent criminals, forcing residents to live in constant fear as attacks continued without effective response.
The party accused the All Progressives Congress-led government under Governor Monday Okpebholo of lacking a clear and effective security strategy. It said the government had failed to confront criminal elements decisively and had instead turned state power against peaceful and unarmed citizens.
“The arrest and continued detention of peaceful protesters, many of them students, exposes the true character of the APC government in Edo State — harsh on citizens, weak against criminals, and hostile to democratic expression,” the statement said.
The PDP said it strongly opposes kidnapping and killings in any form and demanded the immediate dismantling of criminal groups operating in Ekpoma and neighbouring areas. It added that the protest organised by students and residents was peaceful, lawful and protected by the constitution.
The party demanded the release of more than 52 students reportedly arrested during and after the protest, describing their continued detention as oppressive and a clear abuse of power. It warned that Edo State was fast gaining a reputation for punishing victims while shielding criminals.
The protest followed rising insecurity in Ekpoma, including cases of kidnapping and the killing of a youth. Although the initial demonstration was peaceful, it later turned violent after hoodlums reportedly hijacked it, attacking traders at a livestock market and vandalising the palace of the Onojie of Ekpoma.
The Edo State Police Command confirmed that one person was shot by a soldier during the unrest, adding that the matter had been referred to military authorities for investigation.
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