Violent protest, on Saturday, rocked the University community of Ekpoma, Esan West local government area of Edo State, as some residents protested what they described as the rising spate of kidnapping and insecurity in the area.
The protest, which started peacefully, was later hijacked by some hoodlums who unleashed mayhem on passersby, destructing billboards and later invaded the palace of the traditional ruler of Ekpoma, HRH Anthony Abumere.
Properties worth millions of naira were said to have been vandalised while others were carted away by the protesters who forcefully gained access to the palace .
Vehicles parked within the palace premises had their windscreens shattered. Goods belonging to the wife of the Onogie of Ekpoma were also vandalised and looted during the incident.
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Eyewitnesses said the situation could have escalated further if not for the timely intervention of the anti-cultism security operatives, whose presence helped to prevent more extensive destruction and possible loss of lives.
The chairman of Esan West local government area council, Hon. Blessing Eghodahe, visited the palace following the incident and strongly condemned the violent acts.
He described the attack as unfortunate and called for calm, while assuring the community that appropriate measures would be taken to address the situation and bring the perpetrators to justice.
He added that security agencies operating within the LGA have been formally instructed to enforce the restriction strictly.
"Operators or individuals found violating the order will face appropriate sanctions in line with existing laws and regulations," he stated.
The Onogie of Ekpoma, who was not present at the palace during the incident, expressed deep sorrow and lamented the extent of the damage done to the palace and his family properties.
Meanwhile, Edo State government has expressed concerns following the protest that disrupted vehicular movement in Ekpoma town.
The Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Prince Kassim Afegbua, in a statement, while acknowledging the constitutional right of citizens to protest, however, stressed that security-related issues require calm, coordination and constructive engagement rather than actions that disrupt public order.
The government warned that road blockages and uncoordinated protests could hinder security operations and potentially expose residents to further risks or exploitation by criminal elements.
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It further urged citizens to avoid actions that may undermine public safety, noting that such disruptions can divert attention of security agencies from ongoing efforts to tackle crime.
