Security operatives have arrested an unspecified criminal suspects in connection with the alleged looting of property at the Palace of the Onojie of Ekpoma, in Esan West Local Government Area, HRH Anthony Ehizojie Abumere II during Saturday’s protest against insecurity by angry youths in the area.
The protest that was fuelled by disorder over rising spate of fatal kidnappings around Ambrose Alli University Community, which is fast turning into the epicenter of violence crimes in recent time.
The protest which started peacefully, was however hijacked by hoodlums who latched on the grief, anger and confusion to destroy public assets and breached the traditional ruler’s Palace.
The hoodlums in their numbers,.were said to have forcefully gained access to the palace at Ekpoma where vehicles were reportedly vandalized while properties others were carted away when the protest that begun peacefully turned awry.
It was gathered that the timely intervention of the anti riot security operatives at the scene prevented more extensive destruction and possible loss of lives during the melee where at least two yet-to-be identified protesters were shot.
As police intensify it’s crackdown on hoodlums that hijacked the protest, in their various homes and hideouts as preventative measures to diffuse and whittle down tension.
Some residents are said to be keeping the identity secret, others are doubling down to get people out of the street and escape been arrested and prosecuted by security agents for causing violent disorder.
Spokesperson of the Nigeria Police, Edo State Command, SP Eno Ikoedem, dismissed claims of police indifferent to security situation in Ekpoma.
She revealed that Edo Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, was already in Ekpoma, where commercial activities had been shut down, while roads that were formerly blocked along with bonfire have been opened to traffic.
