Ekpoma Protest: Protect Citizens, Ex-Presidential Aspirant Urges Govt

A former presidential aspirant and Edo State governorship candidate of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) Patience Ndidi Ofure-Key  has raised the alarm over worsening insecurity in Ekpoma, which prompted the recent protests in the area.

In a statement in Benin, Ofure-Key said residents and youths, including students of Ambrose Alli University protested against abductions and warned that fear had overtaken daily life in the community.

Ofure-Key said the protection of lives remained the primary responsibility of the government and security agencies, noting that abandonment inevitably fuels anger, tension and protest.

While condemning violence and lawlessness that trailed the protest, Ofure-Key said she understands citizens’ frustration when peaceful appeals for safety are met with silence and inaction.

According to her, people protest not for confrontation but because they feel abandoned, warning that social order weakens when communities feel unprotected.

She expressed concern over allegations that security operatives raided student hostels and arrested protesters, describing such actions as intimidation rather than genuine public safety measures.

Ofure-Key said democracy can not restore calm by treating frightened citizens as enemies nor win trust by arresting young people demanding their fundamental right to live safely.

She insisted that allegations must be investigated lawfully but warned authorities against responding to legitimate safety concerns with harassment, intimidation, or indiscriminate arrests.

The former aspirant said persistent government failure forces communities toward self-help, sometimes dangerously, stressing that leadership must prioritise security, justice, and accountability over mass arrests.

She declared that peaceful protest was not a crime, urging authorities to focus on criminals, not victims, and immediately release students and residents arrested solely for protesting.