Residents of Ekpoma, the administrative center of Esan West Local Government Area in Edo State, staged a protest on Saturday in response to a series of kidnappings that have plagued the community. The recent surge in abductions, with residents taken from their homes, has instilled fear and anger among the populace.
The protest significantly disrupted commercial activities in the town, with students from Ambrose Alli University joining in solidarity.
In a display of their frustration, protesters tore down campaign billboards that had been erected in anticipation of the 2027 general elections.
In response to the unrest, Austin Eigbiremolen, the Principal Security Officer to Governor Monday Okpebholo, assured the community that adequate security measures would be implemented in Ekpoma. Additionally, Eno Ikoedem, the Public Relations Officer for the Edo State Police Command, addressed concerns about rising insecurity, stating that the state Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, was already on the ground in Ekpoma.
Ikoedem highlighted a recent success in combating the kidnappers, noting that nine individuals abducted on Friday were rescued unharmed. This operation involved the deployment of the Eagle Combat Drone Unit, which collaborated with local hunters to locate the kidnappers’ camp using real-time aerial intelligence. The police ground troops subsequently stormed the camp, resulting in the kidnappers fleeing and leaving behind two locally fabricated AK-49 rifles.
The situation remains tense in Ekpoma as residents continue to demand improved security measures to protect their community from further attacks.
