A violent protest on Saturday disrupted the university community in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State, as residents demonstrated against what they described as a rising wave of kidnapping and insecurity in the area.
The protest, which reportedly began peacefully, was later hijacked by hoodlums who attacked passersby, destroyed billboards, and eventually invaded the palace of the traditional ruler of Ekpoma, HRH Anthony Abumere.
Properties worth millions of naira were vandalised, while several items were looted after the protesters forcefully gained access to the palace.
Vehicles parked within the palace premises had their windscreens shattered, and business goods belonging to the wife of the Onogie of Ekpoma were vandalised and carted away during the incident.
Eyewitnesses said the situation could have degenerated further but for the timely intervention of anti-cult security operatives, whose presence prevented wider destruction and possible loss of lives.
The Chairman of Esan West Local Government Area, Hon. Blessing Eghodahe, visited the palace after the incident and strongly condemned the violent acts.
He described the attack as unfortunate, called for calm, and assured the community that necessary steps would be taken to address the situation and ensure those responsible are brought to justice.
He added that security agencies operating within the local government area have been directed to strictly enforce the ban on commercial motorcycles, popularly known as okada.
“Operators or individuals found violating the order will face appropriate sanctions in line with existing laws and regulations,” he said.
The Onogie of Ekpoma, who was not at the palace during the attack, expressed deep sadness over the incident and lamented the extent of damage done to the palace, his family, and properties.
Meanwhile, the Edo State Government expressed concern over the protest, which disrupted vehicular movement in Ekpoma town.
The Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Prince Kassim Afegbua, while acknowledging the constitutional right of citizens to protest, stressed that security challenges require calm, coordination, and constructive engagement.
He warned that road blockages and uncoordinated protests could hinder security operations and expose residents to further risks or exploitation by criminal elements.
The state government urged residents to avoid actions that could undermine public safety, noting that such disruptions may divert security agencies from ongoing efforts to combat crime.
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