Edo State’s Criminal Court 2 has ordered the remand of 52 youths involved in a protest over rising kidnappings and insecurity in Ekpoma. The court directed that the suspects be held at Ubiaja Correctional Centre until February 26, leaving families in anguish as they struggled to support their children.
The protest, which took place on Saturday, January 10, was reportedly led mainly by students of Ambrose Alli University. Videos of the demonstration circulated widely on social media, showing crowds of young people demanding protection and justice for their community.
From Peaceful Protest to Chaos
What began as a call for safety quickly escalated. Police said the protest was hijacked by hoodlums, leading to property destruction, looting, and vandalisation, including damage to the palace of the local monarch. ASP Eno Ikoedem, Police Public Relations Officer, stated, “Regrettably, the protest was hijacked, and all the rules of peaceful protest were ignored, which led to incidents, including malicious damages, looting of property, vandalisation of shops, as well as a military personnel discharging firearms at a protester.”
Late-Night Raids and Family Trauma
Many of the arrested youths claimed they were abducted from their homes late at night or early Sunday morning and taken directly to the state command headquarters. Parents and guardians wept openly as they tried to provide water, food, and money for their children being marched into the Black Maria. The scene highlighted the emotional toll on families caught in the crossfire of insecurity and law enforcement.
Police Assurance and Legal Proceedings
The police confirmed that those involved in acts of violence, vandalism, and looting had been identified and arrested. Investigations are ongoing to ensure all responsible parties are brought to justice. On Monday, the suspects were formally arraigned before the Edo State High Court, Criminal Court 2, where the remand order was issued.
Community Concerns and Next Steps
Local leaders have urged calm, emphasizing that frustrations over insecurity must be addressed while ensuring due process. The community continues to grapple with both rising crime and the uncertainty surrounding the detained youths. Residents are calling for solutions that balance public safety, citizen rights, and accountability from both protesters and law enforcement.
As Edo State works to restore order, families and community members await clarity on the fate of the 52 youths, hoping for justice and the return of peace to Ekpoma.
