Ekpoma Unrest: 52 Arrested for Violence as Joint Security Forces Restore Order

-By Ruben Mario Brodrick 

​EKPOMA, EDO STATE – In a decisive move to reclaim public safety, the Edo State Police Command has deployed a massive joint security task force to Ekpoma following a wave of criminality masked as civil unrest. The operation, led personally by Commissioner of Police CP Monday Agbonika, fdc, has resulted in the arrest and arraignment of 52 suspects linked to violent crimes.

​The Crackdown: Restoration of Peace

​To ensure the stability of Esan West Local Government Area, the Police Command collaborated with the Nigerian Army (4 Brigade), NSCDC, Edo State Security Corp (ESSC), and local hunters. This heavy deployment aims to eliminate kidnapping threats and prevent further breakdowns of law and order.

​Key Findings and Arrests

​While a peaceful protest was initially staged, investigations revealed that a group of hoodlums hijacked the event, turning it into a violent spree. A total of 52 suspects were apprehended for various offenses, including:

• ​Assault & Vandalism: Forcible entry into the palace of the Enogie of Ekpoma, His Royal Highness Anthony Ehizogie Abumere.
• ​Violence against Royalty: The suspects allegedly assaulted the Enogie and his wife while maliciously destroying palace property.
• ​General Criminality: Charges include looting, rioting, cruelty to animals, and assault occasioning bodily harm.
  

​Clearing the Air on Social Media Rumors

​The Command addressed trending social media reports claiming that peaceful protesters were being targeted.

​"No peaceful protester was arrested. Law-abiding citizens were simply advised to return home to maintain order. Those currently in custody are individuals linked specifically to acts of vandalism and violence," the Command clarified.

​Official Stance

​Commissioner Monday Agbonika reiterated that while the Nigerian Constitution guarantees the right to peaceful protest, the Command has zero tolerance for individuals who use such gatherings as a shield for criminality. All 52 suspects have already been arraigned in a court of competent jurisdiction.

​Public Advisory: Residents are urged to disregard unverified social media rumors and rely on official channels for updates. The Edo State Police Command remains committed to the safety of all law-abiding citizens.