Court orders remand of Ekpoma protesters amid tears, rising security concerns in Edo

An Edo State High Court has ordered the remand of several youths arrested during last weekend’s protest in Ekpoma at the Ubiaja Correctional Centre, sparking emotional scenes at the courthouse.

The remand followed an application by the prosecution seeking a 14-day custodial order to allow further investigations.

As the suspects were led into a waiting vehicle, relatives and fellow protesters present in court broke down in tears, wailing openly at the development.

The youths were arrested after a protest erupted in Ekpoma, the headquarters of Esan West Local Government Area of the state, over the growing incidence of kidnapping and insecurity in the area.

Demonstrators had taken to the streets to express frustration over alleged killings and abductions, a situation residents say has worsened in recent months.

Videos that went viral on social media showed residents protesting across parts of Edo Central Senatorial District, with scenes of panic at a local market where some individuals suspected to be cattle breeders were seen fleeing on sighting the protesters.

The Edo State Police Command said the protest, which began peacefully, was later hijacked by hoodlums.

In a statement issued on Sunday by the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eno Ikoedem, the command said it initially deployed officers and worked with other security agencies to ensure the demonstration remained lawful.

“Regrettably, the protest was hijacked, and all the rules of peaceful protest were ignored,” the police said, alleging incidents of vandalism, looting, and destruction of property.

The statement also confirmed that a military personnel discharged a firearm during the unrest.

Following the escalation, the Commissioner of Police, CP Monday Agbonika, personally led additional tactical teams from the state headquarters in Benin to Ekpoma.

The police said coordinated deployments and crowd-control measures helped restore normalcy in the affected areas.

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 brought to justice.

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 facility in Ekpoma.

CP Agbonika reportedly visited the victim and ordered a full investigation into the shooting.

The military personnel involved in the incident has been identified, and the appropriate military authorities have been formally notified for disciplinary action, in line with established procedures.

While reiterating that peaceful protest is a constitutional right, the police stressed that demonstrations must be conducted responsibly and without endangering lives or property.

The protest has renewed broader concerns over insecurity in Edo communities, particularly allegations of kidnappings linked to armed herders operating in forests and rural areas.

The Convener of the Esan Worldwide Community, Aigbokhan Oseremen, called on the Edo State Government to introduce a permit system for outsiders settling in local communities, insisting that residents must know who lives among them.

He alleged that some herders operating in the area are involved in violent crimes, including terrorism, and urged the government to act decisively.

Responding, the Edo State government said it is implementing technology-driven security strategies to identify and dislodge criminal elements from forested areas.

The Special Adviser to Governor Monday Okpebholo on Media and Publicity, Bugie Okhuemoi, assured residents that security operations were already underway and that tangible results would soon be visible.

Governor Monday Okpebholo has also reassured residents of the state of his administration’s commitment to protecting lives and property.

He said his administration has invested heavily in modern security equipment, intelligence gathering and inter-agency collaboration to combat kidnapping, cultism and other crimes.

“There will be no hiding place for perpetrators,” the governor said, stressing that security operations are ongoing across Edo State.

He urged residents to support security agencies with credible information and avoid shielding criminals within their communities.

As the detained protesters await their next court appearance, tensions remain high in Ekpoma, with many residents calling for both justice for those arrested and urgent action to address the root causes of insecurity that triggered the protests.