Kidnapping: 1 injured, scores arrested as protest turns violent in Edo
One person identified as Osagie Abraham, 32, reportedly sustained a gunshot injury while scores of protesters were arrested after a protest against kidnapping turned violent in Edo State. Youths and students in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State, on Saturday, staged a protest against incessant kidnapping in the area but it was […]
One person identified as Osagie Abraham, 32, reportedly sustained a gunshot injury while scores of protesters were arrested after a protest against kidnapping turned violent in Edo State.
Youths and students in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State, on Saturday, staged a protest against incessant kidnapping in the area but it was hijacked by hoodlums who engaged in acts of violence, vandalism, and looting.
The Police Commissioner in the state, Monday Agbonika, in a statement by the command’s spokesperson, Eno Ikoedem, said the injured victim is currently receiving medical attention at Eromoele Medical Centre Ekpoma.
He said upon commencement of the protest, the police mobilised personnel in strategic locations in collaboration with sister security agencies to ensure that the protest remained peaceful, orderly, and within the confines of the law.
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“Regrettably, the protest was hijacked, and all the rules of peaceful protest were ignored which led to incidents including malicious damages, looting of property, vandalism of shops, as well as military personnel discharging firearms at a protester,” he said.
He alleged that the military personnel involved in the shooting incident has been identified while the appropriate military authorities have been formally notified for necessary administrative and disciplinary action.
Agbonika explained that many of the protesters who engaged in acts of violence, vandalism, and looting have been identified and arrested.