A large protest over recurring kidnappings in Ekpoma and surrounding communities in Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State disrupted commercial activities in the university town on Monday. The demonstrators, made up of students and residents, marched through the streets while chanting “We no go gree oo, we no go gree,” setting ablaze tyres and other objects along multiple sections of the Federal Highway to block traffic. Makeshift barriers were also erected, preventing vehicles from passing.
During the protest, some opportunistic individuals reportedly raided Kara Market, stealing goats, while several campaign posters for the 2027 general elections were torn down by the protesters. Commenting on the situation, Austin Eigbiremolen, Principal Security Officer to Governor Monday Okpebholo, assured that additional security personnel would be deployed to Ekpoma to tackle the menace of kidnapping.
The Edo State Police Command, through its spokeswoman Eno Ikoedem, dismissed claims that security forces were ignoring the crisis. She said the state Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, was already in Ekpoma overseeing operations. Ikoedem disclosed that nine people abducted on Friday were safely rescued after the Eagle Combat Drone Unit, working alongside local hunters, located the kidnappers’ camp. “Ground forces stormed the site, forcing the kidnappers to flee and abandon two locally fabricated AK-49 rifles. The rescued victims, including five children, were unharmed. This operation highlights the critical role of technology in modern policing and sets a new standard for security operations in Edo State,” she said.
Meanwhile, Ambrose Alli University Management, led by Vice-Chancellor Prof. Mrs. Eunice Eboiserehimen Omonzejie, announced on behalf of the University Senate that the resumption of students and the start of academic activities would be postponed. “The decision allows the University to complete ongoing renovations of student facilities and infrastructure to improve the teaching and learning environment. We remain committed to providing a conducive atmosphere for academic excellence, and this temporary adjustment is expected to benefit students in the long term,” the statement said.
Students still occupying hostels were instructed to vacate immediately to allow the work to proceed. Consequently, the 140th Inaugural Lecture originally scheduled for Thursday, January 15, 2026, and ongoing examinations have also been postponed, with new dates to be communicated in due course. Otunba Mike Aladenika, the University’s spokesperson, appealed to students, parents, and guardians for understanding and cooperation, urging that students adhere to the revised schedule. It is unclear whether the postponement of university activities was directly linked to the protest.
