There was an emotional scene at the Edo State High Court, Criminal Court 2, on Monday as some youths arrested during the recent Ekpoma protest were ordered to be remanded at the Ubiaja Correctional Centre.
Our correspondent observed that relatives and sympathisers of the protesters broke down in tears as the accused were led out of the courtroom and moved into a waiting vehicle after the court ruling.
The youths were arrested following a protest that erupted last weekend in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area, over the rising cases of kidnapping and insecurity in the area. The demonstration, which initially began peacefully, gained widespread attention after videos went viral on social media showing residents protesting kidnappings and killings in Edo Central Senatorial District.
One of the viral clips also captured suspected cattle breeders fleeing a local market as protesters marched through the area, heightening tensions and public concern.
Police: Protest Was Hijacked
The Edo State Police Command said the protest was later hijacked by hoodlums, leading to violence and destruction of property.
In a statement issued on Sunday by the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eno Ikoedem, the police explained that officers were initially deployed to ensure the protest remained peaceful and lawful.
“Regrettably, the protest was hijacked, and all the rules of peaceful protest were ignored. This resulted in malicious damage, looting of property, vandalisation of shops, and a military personnel discharging firearms at a protester,” the statement said.
Following the escalation, the Commissioner of Police, CP Monday Agbonika, fdc, led tactical reinforcements from the state command in Benin to Ekpoma to restore order. The police said normalcy was swiftly restored through coordinated security operations and crowd control measures.
According to the command, individuals involved in acts of violence, vandalism, and looting were identified and arrested, while investigations are ongoing to ensure all those responsible are prosecuted.
Youth Shot During Protest
The police also confirmed that a 32-year-old man, identified as Osagie Abraham, was shot during the protest and is currently receiving medical treatment at a health facility in Ekpoma.
CP Agbonika reportedly visited the victim and ordered a thorough investigation into the shooting. The military personnel involved has been identified and reported to the appropriate authorities for disciplinary action.
While reiterating that peaceful protest is a constitutional right, the commissioner stressed that demonstrations must be conducted responsibly and without infringing on the rights and safety of others.
Growing Insecurity Concerns
The protest has renewed concerns among residents over alleged kidnappings and attacks linked to herders said to have settled deep within some communities.
Reacting to the situation, the Convener of the Esan Worldwide Community, Aigbokhan Oseremen, urged the Edo State Government to introduce measures requiring outsiders to obtain permits before settling in local communities.
Meanwhile, the police have assured residents that intensified intelligence-led operations and strategic patrols are being deployed to curb kidnapping and other crimes across Edo State, including Ekpoma.
