Over 50 individuals, including students from Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, were arrested by police on Monday and are set to be arraigned at Criminal Court 2 in Benin City for their alleged involvement in a violent protest in Ekpoma town, Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State.
The protest, which began over the weekend, was sparked by residents’ concerns about recurring kidnappings and killings in the area. It, however, escalated into violence, with several shops looted and the palace of the Onojie of Ekpoma vandalised.
Governor Monday Okpebholo visited the Onojie’s palace on Monday, condemning the destruction of both the town’s properties and the palace.
Some of the arrested students were reportedly taken from hostels located mostly outside the university campus, with many claiming they were asleep at around 3 a.m. when the police came.
The suspects were transported in a Black Maria to Benin City, the Edo State capital, where they are currently awaiting arraignment. At the court, relatives of those arrested were seen pacing anxiously, while security officials cordoned off the courtroom and denied journalists entry.
Edo State Police Command’s spokesperson, Eno Ikoedem, confirmed that the suspects were implicated in looting and violent activities during the protest.