Edo: Ekpoma Residents Protest Incessant Kidnappings

By Ayodele Oni

Edo State Government has reacted to a protest in Ekpoma, headquarters of Esan West local government on Saturday over continued kidnappings in the community.

Residents of Ekpoma, had staged a protest against the spate of kidnappings in the community.

Ekpoma has, in recent times, witnessed repeated attacks by kidnappers, with residents being abducted from their homes, triggering fear and anger across the town.

The protest disrupted commercial activities, as students of Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, also joined the demonstration.

In their anger, the protesters pulled down campaign billboards mounted in the university town ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Edo State Police Command Public Relations Officer, Eno Ikoedem, dismissed reports of worsening insecurity in Ekpoma, saying the state Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, was already in the town.

Ikoedem disclosed that nine persons abducted on Friday were rescued unhurt following the deployment of the Eagle Combat Drone Unit to nearby forests, in collaboration with local hunters.

“In the heat of the rescue operation, the kidnappers’ camp was located through real-time aerial intelligence.

“The ground troops stormed the camp, forcing the kidnappers to flee and abandon two locally fabricated AK-49 rifles.

The state government, in a statement by the commissioner for Information and Strategy, Kassim Afegbua  enumerated various Ongoing efforts to address insecurity in the state.

The statement : “The Edo State Government considers it necessary to further clarify issues arising from the recent protest that disrupted vehicular movement in Ekpoma on Saturday, January 10, particularly as it concerns public perception of the state’s security situation.

“While the government recognises the constitutional right of citizens to express concerns, it is important to state and very clearly, that matters of security require calm, coordination and constructive engagement.

“Actions such as blocking roads and disrupting movement, especially in the name of protest, do not aid security operations and may inadvertently expose residents to further risks or be exploited by criminal elements.

“Citizens must resist the urge to be caught in such dangerous tendencies.

“It is on record that since he took office, Governor Monday Okpebholo who understands the concerns of Edo residents has remained responsive to genuine complaints relating to safety.

“However, the government believes that effective security solutions are best achieved through intelligence sharing, community collaboration and sustained engagement with security agencies, not through unstructured actions that undermine public order.

“Governor Okpebholo’s security strategy is built around proactive measures, including the strengthening of the Edo Security Corps, neighbourhood watch initiatives and continuous engagement with community leaders, traditional institutions and sister states.

“These platforms are available for residents to channel security-related concerns, provide useful information and contribute meaningfully to keeping their communities safe.

“It must be emphasised that uncoordinated protests around security matters can distract security agencies from ongoing operations and complicate efforts to address criminal activities.

“The state therefore urges residents to remain law-abiding, calm and supportive of security operatives who continue to work tirelessly to protect lives and property.

“The Edo State Government remains open to dialogue and reassures the people of Ekpoma and the entire state that security strategies are being continuously reviewed and strengthened in line with Governor Okpebholo’s unwavering commitment to making Edo State safer for all.”