Former Vice‑President Atiku Abubakar has condemned the All Progressives Congress (APC) over the handling of the Ekpoma unrest in Edo State, accusing the ruling party of “hunting down students” who protested insecurity and allegedly negotiating with bandits instead of addressing the root causes of violence. His comments reflect intensifying national scrutiny over the violent aftermath of demonstrations in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area.
Atiku’s remarks came on January 13, 2026, as the controversial case of 52 suspects, many of whom are students of Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, continued to draw criticism from opposition parties and civil society groups. The students were among those arrested and remanded in custody after protests last weekend against rising kidnappings and killings in the community escalated into violence, looting and property damage.
The former presidential candidate said that rather than protecting citizens and punishing criminals, the APC‑led state government appeared focused on suppressing peaceful civic expression and allowing negotiations with criminal elements to take precedence, a stance he said undermines public confidence in governance and rule of law. His intervention adds to a chorus of voices including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) demanding the immediate release of the detained students and calling the crackdown oppressive and unlawful.
The unrest began when residents, including youth and students, took to the streets to protest escalating insecurity in Ekpoma. Although initially intended as a peaceful march, the demonstration was later overtaken by incidents of vandalism and violence, including at least one shooting and damage to commercial properties, prompting a police and military response. Those arrested were subsequently arraigned at a Benin High Court, which remanded them to Ubiaja Correctional Centre and adjourned the case to February 26, 2026 for further hearing.
Atiku’s criticism underscores broader national concern about the handling of civic protests and security failures in parts of the country, with political actors and civil liberties advocates alike warning that criminalising legitimate dissent could exacerbate tensions and erode democratic norms
