The Edo State High Court, Criminal Court 2, has
ordered the remand of several youths arrested during protests in the Ekpoma
area, sending them to the Ubiaja Correctional Centre for 14 days, following a
request by the prosecution.
The protesters and their relatives reportedly wailed
as the arrested individuals were moved into waiting vehicles at the court. The
demonstration, which took place over the weekend, was sparked by rising
incidents of kidnapping and insecurity in Ekpoma, located in the Esan West
Local Government Area.
A viral video from the protest showed residents in Edo
Central expressing anger over the rising kidnappings and killings, with some
people, believed to be cattle herders, fleeing a local market upon encountering
protesters.
Police: Protest Hijacked
The Edo State Police described the protest as having
been “hijacked,” resulting in acts of vandalism, looting, and other breaches of
the law. According to a statement by ASP Eno Ikoedem, the Area Commander in
Ekpoma had initially mobilised security personnel to ensure the demonstration
remained peaceful.
“Regrettably, the protest was hijacked, and all rules
of peaceful protest were ignored, leading to malicious damages, looting, and an
incident where a military personnel discharged a firearm at a protester,” the
police statement said.
Commissioner of Police, CP Monday Agbonika, fdc,
deployed additional tactical units to restore public order. The police
confirmed that those involved in acts of violence and vandalism were identified
and arrested, and investigations are ongoing to hold all culpable persons
accountable.
Shooting Incident
The police said a 32-year-old man, Osagie Abraham, was
shot during the protest and is currently receiving medical care in Ekpoma. The
military personnel involved in the shooting have been identified, and
appropriate authorities have been notified for disciplinary action.
CP Agbonika emphasised that lawful protest is a
constitutional right but must be conducted peacefully, without infringing on
the safety or property of others. He also assured residents that the police are
intensifying intelligence-led operations, patrols, and tactical interventions
to tackle kidnapping across Edo State, including Ekpoma.
Insecurity Concerns
Residents have raised concerns over herders allegedly
settling deep in communities and attacking villagers. Aigbokhan Oseremen,
convener of the Esan Worldwide Community (EWC), called for a permit system for
outsiders wishing to reside in villages, warning that some herders are “real
terrorists.”
The Edo State Government, through Special Adviser
Bugie Okhuemoi, said measures are being implemented to identify and remove
illegal settlements in forests, adding that technology-driven strategies are
already in place to restore safety.
Governor Monday Okpebholo reassured residents that the
state is committed to securing lives and property. He noted that massive
investments in security infrastructure, intelligence, and inter-agency
collaboration are ongoing to confront criminal elements.
“The administration will not allow criminals or their
sponsors to hold Edo State hostage. Anyone involved in kidnapping, cultism, or
criminality will be tracked down and brought to justice. There will be no
hiding place for perpetrators,” Okpebholo said.
The governor called on citizens to support security
agencies by providing information and refusing to shield criminals in their
communities, reiterating the state’s determination to restore lasting peace.
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