Edo Court Orders Remand of Ekpoma Protesters in Prison over Vandalism, Looting
By Our Correspondent, Benin City
The Edo State High Court, sitting as Criminal Court 2, yesterday ordered the remand of several youths arrested during last weekend’s protest in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area, to the Ubiaja Correctional Centre for 14 days.
The dramatic court ruling came amid emotional scenes as relatives of the arrested protesters wailed uncontrollably while watching their loved ones being bundled into a waiting police vehicle outside the court premises.
The protesters had demanded urgent government action against the surging wave of kidnappings and insecurity plaguing their community.
The protest, which erupted last weekend, began as a peaceful demonstration by frustrated residents calling for enhanced security measures in Esan West.
A viral video circulating on social media captured the tense moment when demonstrators stormed a local market, prompting some individuals suspected to be cattle breeders to flee in panic.
However, the Edo State Police Command alleged that the initially orderly gathering was “hijacked” by hoodlums, degenerating into widespread vandalism, looting of shops, and chaos.
In the ensuing melee, a military personnel reportedly fired at one of the protesters, identified as 32-year-old Osagie Abraham.
Commissioner of Police, CP Monday Agbonika, who visited Abraham at a medical facility where he is receiving treatment, confirmed the incident.
He disclosed that the errant military officer has been identified and is facing disciplinary action.
In a statement, police authorities assured Edo residents that a thorough investigation is underway to unravel the full circumstances and bring all perpetrators to book.
They stressed that while the right to peaceful protest is enshrined in the Constitution, such actions must not degenerate into lawlessness, endanger lives, or result in property damage.
Governor Monday Okpebholo and the state government have reiterated their unwavering commitment to eradicating insecurity across Edo State.
In a release signed by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, the government highlighted ongoing intensified security operations targeting kidnappings, cultism, and other criminal activities.
The statement urged citizens to collaborate with security agencies by providing actionable intelligence and desisting from harbouring criminals.
“Edo State will not tolerate any form of criminality. We are working round the clock to restore peace and safety to every community,” it added.
The Ekpoma protest underscores the growing frustration among Nigerians over persistent insecurity, with similar agitations reported in other parts of the country amid rising kidnapping incidents.
