The Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is demanding the immediate release of 52 students. Security forces allegedly arrested these youths on orders from the state government. The students were protesting a rising wave of kidnappings in the region.
In a statement released on Monday, PDP Publicity Secretary Dan Osa-Ogbegie confirmed that most detainees attend Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma. He labeled their continued detention as oppressive and a blatant abuse of executive power.
The party expressed deep concern over reports that a court remanded the 52 students. The PDP describes this move as a dangerous slide into state-sponsored repression. “A government that criminalizes protest while kidnappers operate freely loses its moral authority,” Osa-Ogbegie stated.
The party warns that Edo State now risks a reputation for punishing victims while shielding criminals. They insist that the APC-led administration must stop using force against citizens who only seek safety.
The protest followed a series of violent abductions targeting the academic community. The PDP highlights several key failures in the current security strategy:
Security Failures: Kidnappers continue to operate with impunity across Edo Central.
Targeting Youths: Authorities are arresting students instead of tracking criminal gangs.
Abuse of Law: The government is using the legal system to silence legitimate grievances.
The party maintains that providing security is the primary duty of any government. They argue that any administration failing this duty will face a harsh judgment from history.
Demands for Immediate Action
The PDP is calling on the Edo State Government and the Nigeria Police Force to reverse this “shameful” course of action. They have outlined four urgent requirements to restore public trust:
Release all detainees unconditionally and immediately.
Secure Ekpoma through increased tactical deployments.
Arrest the real kidnappers terrorizing the university town.
Adopt transparent policies that center on the safety of the people.
The party vows to remain vocal until the government ensures the safety of every Edo citizen.
