A simmering security crisis in Ekpoma, headquarters of Esan West Local Government Area, took a dramatic turn this weekend as residents and students took to the streets to protest what they describe as a failure of authorities to act decisively against rampant kidnappings and killings.

The demonstrations — sparked by the discovery of a young man’s body believed to be a victim of kidnappers — saw roads blocked, tires burnt, and political billboards torn down, drawing widespread attention and sparking outrage across social platforms.

Amid the unrest, His Royal Majesty, the Onojie of Ekpoma, Barr. Anthony Ehizojie Abumere II, addressed the protesters in a rare public intervention. In widely circulated video clips from the scene, the traditional ruler voiced the deep frustration felt by many in the community, lamenting that “they’re not doing anything” in response to escalating insecurity. Eyewitnesses described how the monarch stood before the demonstrators, urging calm yet reflecting the community’s dissatisfaction. “If you are saying that you are hearing what is going on, you must show action … for us to know that we have a king in Ekpoma,” one protester shouted, echoing the mood of anger and urgency in the crowd.

Background: Rising Insecurity and Public Outcry

Ekpoma has been grappling with a rising tide of violent kidnappings and unrelated killings in recent weeks, leaving residents fearful and restricting social and economic life — particularly for farmers and students. The protest involved both youths and students, notably from Ambrose Alli University (AAU), who expressed that they no longer felt safe in their town.

Security forces were seen attempting to maintain order, but the inability to immediately quell the crowd underscored the palpable frustration among the masses. Despite assurances by security officials that measures would be taken to flush out kidnappers, dissatisfaction remains high.

The escalating demonstrations have also prompted calls for institutional responses beyond police presence, with many urging state and federal authorities to implement long-term solutions rather than temporary fixes.

Government Response and Call for Calm

In the wake of the protests, the Edo State Government issued a call for calm, stressing the importance of constructive engagement and warning that road blockages and unrest could hamper security operations or be exploited by criminal elements. The state’s Commissioner for Information emphasized collaboration between citizens, community leaders, and security agencies as key to resolving the crisis.

Governor Monday Okpebholo’s administration reiterated plans to strengthen community policing, intelligence sharing, and establish more proactive mechanisms to address insecurity — but many residents say these reassurances fall short of immediate relief.

What Comes Next

As Ekpoma reels from the recent unrest, attention has shifted toward how both traditional institutions and government authorities will work together to restore confidence and safety.

For now, the Onojie’s frank remarks have encapsulated a community’s frustration, signaling that residents are demanding not just words, but tangible actions to end the climate of fear in their town.