Recently, protests and online bursts have drawn attention to the increasing kidnappings in Ekpoma, the headquarters of Esan West Local Government Area. Locals reported frequent abductions, fear of moving around at night, and a loss of confidence in protection from security agencies. This insecurity has disrupted daily life, causing pauses in school, market activities, and general movement, as residents fear for their lives.
Last year, residents and local sources reported numerous kidnapping incidents, with people abducted from homes, roads, and farms in Ekpoma and the surrounding Edo Central areas. This recent protest is not the first demonstration; on October 21, 2025, the people of Ekpoma blocked the Benin–Ekpoma–Auchi highway, calling on the Edo State Government and security agencies to organize patrols, launch intelligence-led operations, and support vigilante groups.
Following the January 10 protest, the Edo State Police Command confirmed that hoodlums disrupted the demonstrations, resulting in violations of the rules governing peaceful protests. The unrest included damage, looting, shop vandalism, and a person being shot. The police reported that the victim is receiving medical attention at Eromoele Medical Centre.
The Federal High Court has remanded 52 protesters, including students of Ambrose Alli University (AAU), over alleged malicious damage and armed robbery. Presiding Judge William Aziegbemi adjourned the case to February 26 and ordered that the suspects be held at the Ubiaja Correctional Centre.
Governor Monday Okpebholo condemned the reported attack on the palace of Zaiki Anthony Abumere II, the Onojie of Ekpoma. The Edo State Government has urged protesters to maintain calm, coordination, and constructive engagement to ensure security is restored.
This unrest has drawn strong reactions from political and civil society groups. The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has demanded the immediate release of students who were remanded. They describe the arrest of students as unjust and a violation of their rights to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression.
Governor Monday has ordered the release of the arrested students. This decision followed the lamentations of their families and widespread condemnation of the arrests by officials, including Senator Natasha Akpoti, who spoke out online.
