The Edo State Police Command has launched an investigation into the shooting of a protester by military personnel during a protest in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area of the state. The protest was organised by residents to complain about the rising cases of kidnapping in the area.
The incident happened on Saturday during a public demonstration by youths and residents of Ekpoma and its surrounding communities. The protest followed the abduction and killing of a young man on January 9, 2026, by gunmen suspected to be kidnappers. The killing sparked anger and fear among residents, who said insecurity had become unbearable.
The victim of the shooting has been identified as Osagie Abraham, a 32-year-old man. According to the police, he was shot by a military personnel while the protest was ongoing. He is currently receiving treatment at the Eromoele Medical Centre in Ekpoma.
The Commissioner of Police in Edo State, Monday Agbonika, confirmed the incident in a statement issued on Sunday in Benin City. The statement was released through the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Assistant Superintendent of Police Eno Ikoedem.
Agbonika said the police are taking the matter seriously and have ordered an immediate and thorough investigation into the shooting. He added that the military personnel involved in the incident have been identified and reported to the appropriate military authorities for necessary administrative and disciplinary action.
“The military personnel involved in the shooting incident have been identified, while the appropriate military authorities have been formally notified for necessary administrative and disciplinary action in line with established protocols,” the commissioner said.
He also disclosed that he personally visited the injured protester at the hospital to assess his condition and reassure him and his family of the police command’s commitment to justice.
The protest, which was initially peaceful, was organised by residents who said kidnappings had become frequent in Ekpoma and nearby communities. In recent months, several residents have been abducted along roads, farms, and even within the town, leading to fear and disruption of daily activities.
The killing of the young man on January 9 was said to be the last straw for many residents. Protesters took to the streets to demand urgent action from the government and security agencies to end kidnapping and protect lives.
However, according to the police, the protest was later hijacked by some individuals who engaged in violence, vandalism, and looting. Shops were reportedly damaged, properties destroyed, and tension escalated across parts of the town.
Agbonika explained that the police had prior information about the planned protest and took steps to prevent a breakdown of law and order. He said that as part of preventive policing measures, he visited Ekpoma on January 4, 2026, days before the protest.
During the visit, the commissioner said he met with key stakeholders, including community leaders, students’ representatives, and other groups. The meeting was aimed at listening to grievances, encouraging peaceful expression, and preventing violence.
“Following reports of a planned protest in Ekpoma, the Commissioner of Police proactively visited the town in furtherance of the Command’s preventive policing strategy,” the statement said.
The police said that when the protest began on Saturday, January 10, the Area Commander in Ekpoma quickly deployed police officers in collaboration with other security agencies to ensure that the protest remained peaceful and lawful.
“Upon the commencement of the protest, the Area Commander immediately mobilised police personnel in strategic collaboration with sister security agencies to ensure that the protest remained peaceful, orderly, and within the confines of the law,” the statement added.
Despite these efforts, the situation reportedly got out of hand when some protesters ignored the rules of peaceful protest. The police said the protest was hijacked, leading to vandalism, looting, and the shooting incident involving a military personnel.
“Regrettably, the protest was hijacked and all the rules of peaceful protest were ignored,” Agbonika said. “This led to malicious damage, looting of property, vandalisation of shops, and the discharge of firearms by a military personnel.”
In response to the rising tension, the commissioner said he immediately led additional tactical teams from the state command headquarters in Benin City to Ekpoma. The reinforcements were deployed to restore order and prevent further violence.
According to the police, calm was restored through coordinated deployment of personnel, strategic positioning, and professional crowd control measures. Normal activities have since resumed in the town.
The commissioner also revealed that several individuals involved in violence, vandalism, and looting during the protest have been identified and arrested. He said investigations are ongoing to ensure that all those found culpable are brought to justice.
“Those who engaged in acts of violence, vandalism, and looting have been identified and arrested, and thorough investigations are ongoing,” he said.
Agbonika stressed that while citizens have the constitutional right to protest and express their grievances, such protests must be peaceful and must not infringe on the rights of others.
“It is the constitutional right of citizens to engage in lawful protest and freely express their grievances; however, such protests must always be conducted peacefully, responsibly, and without infringing on the rights, safety, and property of other members of the public,” he stated.
On the issue of kidnapping, the police commissioner assured residents that the command is stepping up efforts to tackle the crime across Edo State. He said intensified intelligence-led operations, strategic patrols, and targeted tactical actions are being deployed, especially in kidnapping-prone areas.
Kidnapping has become a major security challenge in parts of Edo State in recent years, with criminals targeting travellers, farmers, and residents for ransom. Ekpoma, which hosts a major university and serves as a commercial hub in Esan West, has witnessed increased security concerns.
Agbonika said the police remain committed to dismantling criminal networks in the state and restoring public confidence in security agencies.
He urged residents of Ekpoma and neighbouring communities to remain calm and go about their lawful activities, assuring them that the situation is under control and normalcy has been restored.
The commissioner also thanked law-abiding citizens for their cooperation and called for continued partnership between the public and security agencies.