The Edo State Government has issued an urgent appeal for calm following massive protests that broke out in Ekpoma, the administrative heart of the Esan West Local Government Area. On Monday, January 12, 2026, hundreds of residents, including students from Ambrose Alli University, took to the streets to express their outrage over the worsening state of insecurity and the frequent incidents of kidnapping along the major highways connecting the town. The demonstrators blocked key roads, bringing vehicular movement to a standstill and demanding more than just verbal assurances from the authorities.
In response to the escalating tension, the state government released a statement urging the youth and residents to refrain from violence and avoid disrupting public order. Officials emphasized that the administration is working closely with federal security agencies to deploy additional tactical teams to the area. The government has also promised to increase surveillance and set up more checkpoints in notorious flashpoints, while pleading with the community to give the new security measures time to take effect.
