The Edo State High Court, Criminal Court 2, has ordered the remand of several youths arrested during the recent protest in Ekpoma at the Ubiaja Correctional Centre.
The decision followed an application by the prosecution requesting a 14-day remand period. Emotional scenes were witnessed in court as some of the detained protesters and their relatives broke down in tears while those arrested were escorted into a waiting vehicle.
The protest, which took place over the weekend, was sparked by growing concerns over kidnapping and other security challenges in Ekpoma, located in Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State. Viral videos circulating online showed residents demonstrating against rising cases of abduction and killings in the Edo Central region, with some individuals reportedly fleeing a local market during the unrest.
Police: Protest Was Hijacked
The police said they intervened promptly after the demonstration was allegedly taken over by individuals who engaged in violent activities. In a statement issued on Sunday, the Edo State Police Command said officers were deployed immediately at the start of the protest to ensure it remained peaceful and lawful.
However, the command claimed that the protest later degenerated, resulting in vandalism, looting, destruction of property, and an incident in which a military personnel allegedly discharged a firearm, injuring a protester.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eno Ikoedem, the Commissioner of Police, CP Monday Agbonika, led additional tactical reinforcements from Benin to Ekpoma to restore order and prevent further escalation. The police said normalcy was restored through coordinated deployments and professional crowd-control measures.
The command confirmed that individuals suspected of engaging in violence, vandalism, and looting were arrested, while investigations are ongoing to ensure all those responsible are prosecuted.
Protester Shot
The police also disclosed that CP Agbonika visited a 32-year-old man identified as Osagie Abraham, who was shot during the protest and is currently receiving treatment at a medical facility in Ekpoma.
The commissioner reportedly ordered a full investigation into the shooting, noting that the military personnel involved has been identified and the appropriate authorities notified for disciplinary action in line with established procedures.
While reaffirming citizens’ constitutional right to peaceful protest, the police stressed that demonstrations must be conducted responsibly and without infringing on public safety or property.
Addressing concerns about kidnapping, the police assured residents that intensified intelligence-led operations, strategic patrols, and targeted interventions are being deployed across Edo State, including Ekpoma.
Rising Insecurity Concerns
Some residents have raised concerns over the presence of herders allegedly residing deep within communities and accused of attacking locals. The Convener of the Esan Worldwide Community, Aigbokhan Oseremen, urged the Edo State Government to regulate settlement in rural areas through permits and monitoring.
He alleged that some of the herders posed serious security threats, calling for stronger government action.
Responding, the Edo State Government said decisive measures were underway. The Special Adviser to Governor Monday Okpebholo on Media and Publicity, Bugie Okhuemoi, said technology-driven strategies were being implemented to flush out criminal elements from forest areas.
Government Reassurance
Governor Monday Okpebholo has reiterated his administration’s commitment to tackling insecurity, assuring residents that there would be no safe haven for criminals.
In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Patrick Ebojele, the governor said his government has invested heavily in modern security equipment, intelligence gathering, and inter-agency collaboration to combat kidnapping, cultism, and other crimes.
He emphasized that security operations are ongoing across the state and warned that anyone involved in criminal activities would be identified and brought to justice.
“This administration will not allow criminals or their sponsors to hold Edo State hostage. There will be no hiding place for perpetrators,” the governor said, while calling on residents to support security agencies with timely information.