The Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Monday called for the immediate release of 52 individuals who were remanded in prison following a protest against kidnapping in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area, which reportedly turned violent.
Most of the detainees, primarily students, were held at the Ubiaja Correctional Centre after the Edo State Criminal Court II in Benin City declined jurisdiction over the matter.
In a statement, the PDP’s State Publicity Secretary, Dan Osa-Ogbegie Esq., accused the All Progressives Congress-led state government of orchestrating the arrests and remand. He further claimed that Ekpoma has been left vulnerable to kidnappers and violent criminals, leaving residents living in fear as attacks reportedly continue unchecked.
Osa-Ogbegie emphasized that the PDP is firmly opposed to kidnapping and killings in any form and called for the immediate dismantling of criminal networks operating across Ekpoma and surrounding communities.
“The PDP stands in full solidarity with the people of Ekpoma, particularly the students and residents who organized a peaceful protest against insecurity. We recognize the protest as lawful, courageous, and constitutionally protected. Only a government fearful of accountability would criminalize such civic action,” he stated.
The party demanded the immediate and unconditional release of all those detained during and after the protest.