Edo State Police Command has deployed heavy security operatives to Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area, following a recent protest and reports of rising criminal activities in the area, including kidnapping and vandalism.
In a statement issued by the Command’s spokesperson, ASP Eno Ikoedem, the police said the Commissioner of Police, CP Monday Agbonika, fdc, personally supervised the security operation alongside the Commander, Mechanized 4 Brigade, Brigadier General Ahmed Olatunboju Balogun.
According to the statement, the deployment involved joint efforts with sister security agencies, including the Nigerian Army, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Edo State Security Corps (ESSC) and local hunters, with the aim of sustaining public safety and curbing criminality in Ekpoma and its environs.
The police revealed that investigations into the disruption of what was described as a peaceful protest led to the arrest of 52 suspects.
“Following investigations into the disruption of a peaceful protest in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area, a total of fifty-two (52) persons suspected to have participated in violent acts of vandalism, assault occasioning harm, looting, rioting, cruelty to animals among other acts, causing disorder, and undermining public safety, were arrested,” the statement said.
The Command further alleged that some of the suspects forcibly entered the palace of the Enogie of Ekpoma, His Royal Highness Anthony Ehizogie Abumere, where they allegedly assaulted the traditional ruler and his wife and destroyed property within the palace.
Addressing reports circulating on social media, the police dismissed claims that peaceful protesters were arrested during the operation.
“Contrary to claims circulating on social media, the Edo State Police Command guarantees that no peaceful protester was arrested, but were rather charged to go home and maintain peace,” the statement clarified, adding that the suspects have since been arraigned before a court of competent jurisdiction.
The Commissioner of Police, according to the Command, reiterated the police’s commitment to safeguarding the constitutional rights of citizens to engage in lawful and peaceful protests, while maintaining zero tolerance for violence, criminality and actions capable of infringing on the rights of law-abiding citizens.
The Command advised members of the public to disregard what it described as unfounded reports on social media and to rely only on verified and official information.
It also appreciated the cooperation of residents and assured the public of its unwavering resolve to sustain peace and security across Edo State.
