Emotional scenes unfolded at the Edo State High Court, Criminal Court 2, as the court ordered the remand of several youths arrested in connection with last Saturday's violent protest in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State.
The protesters, who were part of a demonstration against the rising wave of kidnappings and insecurity in the community, were remanded at the Ubiaja Correctional Centre following the prosecution's request for a 14-day remand period.
Eyewitnesses reported that family members and supporters of the accused broke down in tears and wailed openly as the arrested individuals were led away into a waiting vehicle after the court ruling.
The protest, which began peacefully on Saturday to highlight repeated incidents of abductions and violent attacks in Ekpoma a town hosting a large student population from Ambrose Alli University (AAU) quickly escalated into chaos.
Police reported that the demonstration was hijacked, leading to looting of shops, vandalism of property, malicious damages, and the vandalisation of the palace of the Onojie of Ekpoma.
According to the Edo State Police Command, in a statement signed by Public Relations Officer ASP Eno Ikoedem, security forces initially mobilized to ensure the protest remained orderly and lawful.
However, when violence erupted, Commissioner of Police CP Monday Agbonika led reinforcements from Benin to restore order.During the unrest, a 32-year-old man identified as Osagie Abraham was shot by a military personnel.
The Commissioner visited him at a medical centre in Ekpoma where he is receiving treatment and ordered a thorough investigation.
The military authorities have been notified for appropriate disciplinary action.CP Agbonika reiterated that while citizens have the constitutional right to peaceful protest, such actions must not infringe on the rights, safety, or property of others.
The command is intensifying intelligence-led operations, patrols, and interventions to combat kidnapping across Edo State, including Ekpoma.
The incident has heightened tensions in the area, prompting the Edo State Government and AAU management to take precautionary measures, including suspending school resumption, examinations, and academic activities in response to the insecurity.
Community leaders and residents continue to demand urgent deployment of more security resources and decisive action against kidnapping syndicates operating in the forests and communities around Ekpoma.
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