The Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has called for the immediate and unconditional release of 52 Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma students who were remanded in prison following last Friday’s protest against insecurity in the town.

In a statement on Monday, PDP Publicity Secretary Dan Osa-Ogbegie described the continued detention as “oppressive, unlawful, and a blatant abuse of power.”

The party maintained that the protest was peaceful and constitutionally guaranteed but was allegedly hijacked by hoodlums, leading to clashes and destruction in parts of Ekpoma.

According to Osa-Ogbegie, the state government is punishing the victims rather than addressing the real perpetrators of violence, a move he warned threatens democratic expression in Edo State.

He criticized the Monday Okpebholo-led administration for failing to tackle worsening insecurity in Ekpoma and surrounding communities, which have reportedly been left vulnerable to kidnappers and armed criminals.

“Only a government afraid of accountability would criminalize civic protest,” Osa-Ogbegie said, describing the state’s response as authoritarian and incompetent.

The PDP reiterated its opposition to kidnapping and killings and called for the dismantling of criminal networks operating in Ekpoma and nearby areas.

Tensions in Ekpoma escalated after the protest, which initially involved residents blocking a major highway, reportedly turned violent when miscreants hijacked the demonstration.

During the unrest, traders at a livestock market were attacked, and the palace of the Onojie of Ekpoma, Zaiki Anthony Abumere II, was vandalized—a move condemned by Governor Okpebholo.

Edo State Police spokesperson Eno Ikoedem confirmed that one person was shot by a soldier during the protest and said the case has been handed over to military authorities for investigation.