The university town of Ekpoma in Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State was thrown into chaos on Saturday as a protest over rising cases of kidnapping and insecurity degenerated into violence, leaving trails of destruction and fear across the community.
The protest, which began as a peaceful demonstration by residents demanding urgent action against worsening insecurity, was later hijacked by hoodlums who unleashed mayhem on the streets. Eyewitnesses said the situation quickly spiralled out of control as passersby were attacked, billboards destroyed and public order completely disrupted.
The violence reached a peak when the mob forcefully invaded the palace of the Onogie of Ekpoma, His Royal Highness Anthony Abumere. Properties within the palace worth millions of naira were reportedly vandalised, while several items were looted after the protesters gained access to the premises.
Vehicles parked inside the palace compound were damaged, with windscreens shattered during the attack. Business goods belonging to the wife of the traditional ruler were also vandalised and carted away, deepening the shock and anger that followed the incident.
Residents said the destruction could have been far worse if not for the swift intervention of anti-cult security operatives, whose presence helped to disperse the crowd and prevent further violence and possible loss of lives.
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Following the unrest, the Chairman of Esan West Local Government Area, Hon. Blessing Eghodahe, visited the palace and condemned the violent turn of events. He described the attack as unfortunate and called for calm, assuring the community that those responsible would be identified and brought to justice.
Eghodahe disclosed that security agencies operating within the local government had been formally directed to strictly enforce existing restrictions aimed at restoring order. He warned that individuals or groups found violating security directives would face appropriate sanctions in line with the law.
The Onogie of Ekpoma, who was not at the palace at the time of the attack, expressed deep sorrow over the incident. He lamented the extensive damage done to the palace, his family and personal property, describing the violence as painful and unjustified.
The Edo State Government also reacted strongly to the protest, expressing concern over the disruption of vehicular movement and public activities in Ekpoma. The Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Prince Kassim Afegbua, acknowledged the constitutional right of citizens to protest but stressed that security challenges demand calm, coordination and constructive engagement.
Afegbua warned that road blockages and uncoordinated protests could undermine security operations and expose residents to further danger. He noted that such actions often divert security agencies from ongoing efforts to combat crime, thereby creating opportunities for criminal elements to exploit the situation.
The state government urged residents to channel their grievances through lawful and organised means, emphasizing that public safety must not be compromised in the process of demanding accountability.
