Over 50 Arrested After Ekpoma Protest Over Insecurity Turns Violent in Edo State

Over 50 Arrested After Ekpoma Protest Over Insecurity Turns Violent in Edo State

No fewer than 50 persons have been arrested by the Edo State Police Command following a protest that turned violent in Ekpoma, headquarters of Esan West Local Government Area, Edo State.

The suspects were reportedly picked up from various locations across Ekpoma after the protest, which degenerated into looting, vandalism and destruction of property. Several shops were broken into and looted, while the palace of the Onojie of Ekpoma was vandalised during the unrest.

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The arrested persons were later conveyed in a Black Maria to a court in Edo State, where they are expected to be arraigned. At the court premises, relatives of the suspects were seen loitering around while security operatives cordoned off the courtroom, preventing journalists from gaining access as of press time.

Confirming the arrests, the Edo State Police Public Relations Officer, Eno Ikoedem, said the suspects were arrested for their alleged involvement in looting, vandalism and other violent acts during the protest.

The protest, which was initially sparked by concerns over insecurity and alleged kidnapping incidents in the area, was later hijacked by hoodlums, leading to widespread destruction and tension in the university town.

Security has since been reinforced in Ekpoma, while investigations continue to identify and apprehend other individuals linked to the violence. The police warned that anyone found culpable would be made to face the full weight of the law.

Over 50 Arrested After Ekpoma Protest Over Insecurity Turns Violent in Edo State