The Peoples Democratic Party in Edo State has demanded the immediate release of 52 Ambrose Alli University students who were jailed following a protest against rising insecurity in Ekpoma. The students were arrested after taking part in a demonstration last Friday, which authorities say was hijacked by hoodlums, leading to violence in the town.
The PDP stated that the protest was peaceful before it was disrupted and accused the state government of punishing citizens instead of addressing criminal activity. The party criticized the Okpebholo administration for failing to protect residents from kidnappers and violent attacks in Ekpoma and surrounding areas.
The protest was sparked by ongoing kidnappings and the killing of a youth the previous night. Residents initially blocked a major highway to press their demands, but the situation escalated when miscreants took over. During the unrest, traders at a local market were attacked and the palace of the Onojie of Ekpoma was vandalized.
Security forces responded, and the Edo State Police Command confirmed that one person was shot by a soldier. The case has been handed over to the military for further investigation.
The PDP reiterated its opposition to kidnapping and violence, urging the state government to dismantle criminal networks operating freely in Ekpoma. The party warned that suppressing peaceful civic action could undermine democratic expression in the state.