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Commissioner of Police @EdoPoliceNG, CP Monday Agbonika, led patrol teams there to maintain law and order and assure residents of steps being taken by the Police Command to find lasting solutions to the problem of kidnapping within the state.

Protest in ekpoma edo state over kidnapping and k!ll!ng in the local government area

Edo urges calm over security protests in Ekpoma

January 10, 2026

The Edo State Government on Saturday said that issues of security require calm, coordination and constructive engagement.

The State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Kassim Afegbua, stated this in a response to the protest in Ekpoma, noting that blocking roads and disrupting movement, especially in the name of protest, do not aid security operations and may expose residents to further risks.

Afegbua in a statement released on Saturday said, “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.”

He said the administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo understands the concerns of residents, adding that effective security solutions are best achieved through intelligence sharing, community collaboration and sustained engagement with security agencies.

He added, “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.”

Afegbua said uncoordinated protests over security matters could distract security agencies from ongoing operations and complicate efforts to address criminal activities.

He urged residents to remain law-abiding, calm and supportive of security operatives working to protect lives and property.

He added, “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.”

This reaction follows the protest from angry residents of Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State, on Saturday against the killing of a youth at the hands of suspected kidnappers.

The residents blocked the entry and exit points of the town and were seen engaging police on the need to tackle insecurity in the area, in a viral video.

The corpse of the deceased was paraded around the community as protesters also burnt tires on the road, while motorists attempting to pass through were sent back.

A resident, who spoke to The PUNCH on condition of anonymity, confirmed that the killing of the youth, whose corpse was discovered in the bush on Friday night, prompted the protest.

The resident said kidnapping has become a major problem in the area, with farmers unable to go to their farms and residents living in fear.

“I can confirm that it is the death of the youth whose corpse was discovered on Friday is what led to the protest. Kidnapping and other security problems have become major issues here,” the resident said.

The protest also disrupted commercial activities, and campaign billboards for the 2027 general elections were pulled down.

Speaking on the protest, Principal Security Officer to Governor Monday Okpebholo, Austin Eigbiremolen, assured that adequate security would be deployed to Ekpoma, saying the kidnappers would be chased away.

“I can assure that adequate security will be provided in Ekpoma and kidnappers will be chased away,” he said.

Edo Police spokesman, Eno Ikoedem, said the police were not indifferent to the security challenges in Ekpoma. She added that Edo Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, was already in Ekpoma.

Ikoedem said nine persons who were kidnapped on Friday were rescued unhurt after the Eagle Combat Drone Unit was deployed to the forest alongside 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 victims, including five children, were rescued unhurt.

“This landmark deployment underscores the transformative role of technology in modern policing and sets a new benchmark for operational enhancement in Edo State,” she said.

keemsleek:
Check out very way it might be court related. I was in ubth 2 yrs ago and I met a guy. He just came in from UK and he went to flex at the club, right there after over 10yrs he left nigeria he was attacked and shot. The bullet hit him in his shoulder and hit one if the serving girls in the tummy. Has baba was discharged he didn't ho back home, from the hospital straight to lag. He paid all the medical expenses for the girl bullet hit. After 10yrs they still came back for him, so when you hear ekpoma story first link it to club revenge then after mayb kidnapping.

keemsleek:
Check out very way it might be court related. I was in ubth 2 yrs ago and I met a guy. He just came in from UK and he went to flex at the club, right there after over 10yrs he left nigeria he was attacked and shot. The bullet hit him in his shoulder and hit one if the serving girls in the tummy. Has baba was discharged he didn't ho back home, from the hospital straight to lag. He paid all the medical expenses for the girl bullet hit. After 10yrs they still came back for him, so when you hear ekpoma story first link it to club revenge then after mayb kidnapping.

naptu2:
Ikoedem said nine persons who were kidnapped on Friday were rescued unhurt after the Eagle Combat Drone Unit was deployed to the forest alongside local hunters.
https://punchng.com/edo-urges-calm-over-security-protests-in-ekpoma/

naptu2:
Nigeria Stories @NigeriaStories



https://x.com/i/status/2010006424307503241


https://www.tiktok.com/video/7593779545979931922?

cleish:
Well all this insecurity is not related to cultism.

Here’s a brief.


After the Uromi incident, the kidnapping migrated to Ekpoma, every week there’s reported cases of kidnapping, surviving victims claims this guys are from far away.


Same thing is happening in Edo north Axis.. from kidnapping attack on catholic priests, minor seminary to the people within the town.


More people ( the Harrison case, another victim and recently the doctor whose brother was killed) are still in captivity.

This has gone beyond kidnapping, it looks like a deliberate and coordinated attempt to cause unrest in Edo state until they achieve their main motive.

JuanDeDios:
At least, something is being done. Thank God.

ogaemma:
Clueless and eye 👀 service show off.
You want to prove to Egbetokun that you are working.
How many kidnapper's did you arrest in your patrol? Just to waste government fuel money.

Security have gone beyond combat and physical Security.
Get the use of technology to do your patrol and comb all the forest in Edo State and you will see results.

Purchase modern Security drones and send officer's on Course for Drone pilot training
You will come back and thank me.

Ikoedem said nine persons who were kidnapped on Friday were rescued unhurt after the Eagle Combat Drone Unit was deployed to the forest alongside 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 victims, including five children, were rescued unhurt.