Manny Ita
Tension escalated in Ekpoma, headquarters of Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State, following the violent turn of protests against insecurity, resulting in mass arrests and a firm judicial response. As of January 13, 2026, authorities confirmed that dozens of suspects have been remanded in custody after unrest that began as a public outcry over kidnappings and killings in the university town.
The protest was triggered by growing anger over insecurity, particularly the abduction of two medical doctors, Tahir Abu Emhoye and Abu Ibrahim Babatunde. Public frustration deepened on Friday, January 9, after the body of a local youth was discovered, prompting residents and students of Ambrose Alli University to take to the streets the following day.
What began as a peaceful demonstration on Saturday, January 10, later degenerated after it was reportedly “hijacked” by hoodlums, leading to hours of unrest across parts of the town. During the chaos, the palace of the Onojie of Ekpoma, HRH Zaiki Anthony Ehizojie Abumere II, was attacked, with property vandalised and personal belongings looted.
The unrest also spread to the Kara livestock market, where protesters reportedly chased away Hausa traders and slaughtered or carted away goats and cows. In a separate incident, a 32-year-old man identified as Osagie Abraham was shot by a soldier deployed to restore order. He survived the incident and is currently receiving treatment at Eromoele Medical Centre.
Further acts of vandalism were recorded as protesters pulled down 2027 campaign billboards and blocked major federal highways with bonfires and burning tyres, disrupting movement in and out of the town.
Following the violence, tactical reinforcements were deployed to Ekpoma under the supervision of the Edo State Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika. Security operatives subsequently arrested more than 50 suspects in connection with looting, arson, and destruction of public and private property.
On Monday, January 12, an Edo State High Court ordered that the arrested suspects be remanded at the Ubiaja Correctional Centre for 14 days pending the conclusion of police investigations. Reports from the court described emotional scenes as relatives wailed while the suspects were loaded into a “Black Maria” for transfer to the correctional facility.
The Edo State Government, under Governor Monday Okpebholo, condemned the violence, stating that while citizens have the right to peaceful protest, the destruction of property and blocking of major roads undermines security efforts and public safety. The government reiterated its commitment to restoring calm and addressing the underlying security challenges in the area.
Police authorities also confirmed that the soldier involved in the shooting of Osagie Abraham has been identified and reported to military authorities for appropriate disciplinary action. Meanwhile, additional security measures have been put in place, including the deployment of the Eagle Combat Drone Unit to forests around Ekpoma to track the kidnappers whose activities sparked the original protests.
