EKPOMA PROTEST: HEAVY SECURITY DEPLOYED TO CURB CRIMINALITY; 52 SUSPECTS ARRESTED, MISINFORMATION ON SOCIAL MEDIA CLARIFIED

The Edo State Police Command wishes to provide an update on the Ekpoma protest and ongoing security operations in the area.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Monday Agbonika, fdc, has personally supervised the heavy deployment of security personnel in Ekpoma, alongside the Commander, Mechanised 4 Brigade, Brigadier General Ahmed Olatunboju Balogun.

This deployment is being carried out in collaboration with sister security agencies, including the Nigerian Army, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Edo State Security Corps (ESSC), and local Hunters, to sustain public safety and address kidnapping and other criminal activities in the area.

Following investigations into the disruption of an otherwise peaceful protest in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area, a total of fifty-two (52) suspects were arrested for their alleged involvement in violent acts, including vandalism, assault occasioning harm, looting, rioting, cruelty to animals, and other acts capable of causing public disorder and undermining safety.

The arrested suspects also allegedly forcefully invaded the palace of the Enogie of Ekpoma, His Royal Highness Anthony Ehizogie Abumere, during which he and his wife were assaulted and property within the palace maliciously damaged.

Contrary to claims circulating on social media, the Edo State Police Command assures the public that no peaceful protester was arrested.

Law-abiding protesters were merely advised to return home and maintain peace. The suspects arrested have since been arraigned before a court of competent jurisdiction.

The Commissioner of Police reiterates the Command’s commitment to protecting the constitutional rights of citizens to engage in lawful and peaceful protest, while maintaining zero tolerance for criminality, violence, and acts that infringe on the rights of law-abiding citizens.

Members of the public are advised to disregard unfounded reports and rely only on verified information from official sources.

The Command appreciates the continued cooperation of law-abiding residents and assures the public of its unwavering resolve to sustain peace and security across Edo State.