Tension in Edo: Youths Storm Streets Over Killings, Abductions Under Okpebholo

On Monday, people gathered in Agenebode, the center of Edo State’s Etsako East Local Government Area, to demonstrate against what they said were armed herdsmen carrying out daily murders and kidnappings in their neighborhoods.
Commercial operations in the areas were halted by the demonstration, as the youths urged Governor Monday Okpebholo to take immediate action.
With signs that read #EndKidnappingInAgenebode, #EtsakoEastUnderSiege, and #WhereIsOurGovernor, the demonstrators stormed government buildings and major roads, demanding that the state leader and federal lawmakers act immediately to stop what they described as a “ongoing ethnic cleansing.”
Residents joined the youth in a show of solidarity, closing businesses, shops, and stalls.
Some of the posters accused prominent local politicians of ignoring the suffering of their constituents, including Senator Adams Oshiomhole, Minister Abubakar Momoh, and Hon. Sunday Dekere Anamero.
While your people are dying in Etsako East, Oshiomhole, you’re occupied with NDDC in Port Harcourt! “One placard read.”
Naija News has learned that the demonstration, which started early on Monday, featured nonviolent processions through the Local Government Secretariat, Bode Ivioghe Road, and Agenebode Market Road. Protesters called for prompt government action to restore security while singing and chanting.
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In an unprecedented move, employees of the local government were compelled to leave their Secretariat offices and participate in the protest, claiming they were afraid they might become the next victims.
“We can’t go to work with confidence anymore. One member of the council told reporters, “There is a genuine fear of being abducted.”
Along the Fugar-Agenebode axis, protesters also demanded the establishment of a permanent military roadblock, a new police station, and the authority of local vigilante groups to assume charge of local security.
Protesters called on Governor Okpebholo to provide funding and support for local forest guard operations similar to those started by Hon. (Princess) Benedicta Attoh, the suspended LG Chairman, who allegedly collaborated with traditional leaders to hire young people to patrol the forests on shift duty.
We have individuals running from their homes. Comrade Abdul Ayegbeni, speaking on behalf of the young people protesting, cautioned that what is taking place in Benue must not be let to occur in Agenebode.
Additionally, Ayegbeni attacked state and federal legislators who came from Etsako East, saying they were disconnected from the reality on the ground.
To plan and support grassroots defense logistically, he called on Senator Oshiomhole, Minister Momoh, Hon. Kingsley Ugabi, and Representative Sunday Dekere to call an emergency security meeting that would include all local vigilante groups and traditional institutions.
We are fed up with the quiet. Rather than promises, we want security. “Ghost towns are forming in our communities,” Ayegbeni continued.
As at the time this article was filed, the state government has not yet issued an official statement about the occurrences, as far as Naija News is aware.