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From Tony Osauzo, Benin
A massive protest against incessant kidnappings in Ekpoma and its environs in Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State yesterday grounded commercial activities in the university town.
The angry protesters, made up of students and residents, were chanting “We no go gree oo, we no go gree” as they set huge bonfires of disused tyres and other items on several sections of the Federal Highway running through the town. They also blocked several sections with makeshift objects to prevent vehicular movement.
During the protest, some criminal-minded persons reportedly stormed Kara market and carted away goats, while campaign billboards for the 2027 general elections were pulled down by the protesters.
Speaking on the protest, the Principal Security Officer to Governor Monday Okpebholo, Austin Eigbiremolen, assured that adequate security would be deployed to Ekpoma to rid the area of kidnapping.
Meanwhile, the spokeswoman of the Edo State Police Command, Eno Ikoedem, dismissed claims of police indifference to the security situation in Ekpoma, saying that the state Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, was already in Ekpoma.
She disclosed that nine persons who were kidnapped on Friday were rescued unhurt after the Eagle Combat Drone Unit was deployed to the forest alongside local hunters.
“In the heat of the rescue operation, the kidnappers’ camp was located through real-time aerial intelligence. The ground troops stormed the camp, forcing the kidnappers to flee and abandon two locally fabricated AK-49 rifles. The victims, including five children, were rescued unhurt. This landmark deployment underscores the transformative role of technology in modern policing and sets a new benchmark for operational enhancement in Edo State,” she said.
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Earlier yesterday, the Management of Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, led by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Mrs. Eunice Eboiserehimen Omonzejie, approved, on behalf of the University’s Senate, the postponement of students’ resumption and the commencement of academic activities.
“This decision has become necessary to enable the University to complete ongoing renovation works on student structures and facilities, aimed at enhancing the overall teaching and learning experience. The Management is committed to providing a conducive environment for academic excellence and believes that this temporary adjustment will ultimately benefit our students.
“While the University Management intends to announce a new resumption date, any student(s) still in our hostels are advised to vacate with immediate effect to allow for effective ongoing renovation works.
“In light of this development, the University regrets to announce that the 140th Inaugural Lecture, originally scheduled for Thursday, 15th January 2026, and ongoing examinations have been postponed. A new date for the lecture and the completion of the examinations will be communicated to all stakeholders in due course.
“The University appreciates the understanding and cooperation of students, parents, and guardians on this matter. We urge all students to adhere to the new resumption date and prepare for a productive academic session.
“Parents and guardians are kindly requested to ensure their children/wards are aware of and comply with the revised resumption schedule,” the spokesman for the University, Otunba Mike Aladenika, said in a statement.
It could not be ascertained whether the sudden postponement of the University’s activities was as a result of the protest.
