Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
In a decisive response to escalating insecurity and public unrest in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State, the Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, has ordered the removal of the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of the town and appointed a new officer to lead the local police division. The change in leadership comes in the wake of violent protests by residents expressing outrage over persistent insecurity, including kidnappings and the killing of a local youth, which erupted into widespread disorder and attacks on property over the weekend.
The development was formally announced on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, by Edo State Police Command spokesperson, Eno Ikoedem, in a statement to the public. According to the statement, Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Tomofe Nwabueze has been posted to assume office as the new DPO of Ekpoma Division with immediate effect, replacing Nelson Igbinoba. The reorganisation forms part of what the Command described as an ongoing security assessment and “strategic repositioning” intended to strengthen operational effectiveness in the troubled community.
The protest that precipitated the administrative overhaul began on Saturday when a large group of Ekpoma residents took to the streets in a demonstration against rampant kidnappings and a violent incident that claimed the life of a young man the previous Friday. Initially peaceful, the protest soon spiralled out of control when some participants reportedly attacked traders at the local livestock market, killing livestock and causing significant property damage. The unrest escalated further with an attack on the palace of the Onojie of Ekpoma, Zaiki Anthony Abumere II, drawing broad condemnation from both government officials and traditional leaders.
Authorities face criticism from some quarters over their handling of the protest and the underlying insecurity that sparked it. In response to the violent outbreak, a Benin City High Court remanded 52 individuals, including students of Ambrose Alli University (AAU), who were arrested during the unrest. They were charged in connection with malicious damage and armed robbery, although the presiding judge ruled that the court lacked jurisdiction and directed defence lawyers to file bail applications at the Ubiaja High Court.
Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has publicly condemned the violence and vowed a robust response to both the root causes and the aftermath of the turmoil. While officials maintain that citizens have the right to peaceful protest, the involvement of hoodlums who hijacked the demonstration has complicated an already fraught security situation. Government authorities have also suggested that outside influences may have exacerbated the unrest, asserting that some elements from abroad may have played a role in organising the riots — a claim that has attracted controversy and debate among residents and observers.
The decision to replace the Ekpoma DPO is being interpreted by security analysts as a strategic attempt to reset community-police relations at a critical juncture. The new DPO, CSP Nwabueze, is expected to bring renewed leadership and tactical direction to local law enforcement, with the aim of restoring public confidence and enhancing collaborative efforts between the police and the community. In his statement, the police command emphasised that the reorganisation is part of a broader effort to address security gaps and prevent future outbreaks of violence.
The broader context of insecurity in Ekpoma has been a source of mounting concern for months. The area, like other parts of Edo State, has experienced a spike in kidnappings and violent crime, prompting both public protests and heightened law enforcement activity. Community members have repeatedly called on state and federal authorities to intervene decisively to protect lives and property, particularly as incidents of abduction and extortion have increased in frequency and severity.
This latest upheaval follows a pattern of insecurity-driven protests in the region, including earlier demonstrations by medical doctors and other professionals over abductions and fatal attacks in neighbouring parts of the state. Those protests underscored a growing perception among residents that government and security agencies had not done enough to safeguard citizens.
In the wake of the violent protest, state authorities have also taken broader measures to address instability. Reports indicate that closures and disruptions in daily life have occurred, with educational institutions in the central zone of Edo deferring school resumption due to security concerns. The government has cited the need to prioritise student safety in light of persistent unrest.
Security officials have sought to reassure the public of their commitment to restoring order. In related actions, the newly reorganised Ekpoma Division is reported to have immediately begun operations aimed at combating criminal activity. For example, reports emerged that early in his tenure, the new DPO deployed resources to investigate a suspected kidnapping along Old INEC Road, leading to an arrest and exposing a case of self-kidnapping — an incident that highlights the complex nature of insecurity challenges in the area.
Nevertheless, the situation in Ekpoma remains tense. Community leaders, security analysts, and civil society advocates agree that lasting peace will require not only stronger policing but also sustained engagement with local communities to address the underlying socio-economic conditions that contribute to insecurity. Traditional rulers and local authorities have been urging calm and dialogue, even as residents continue to demand more visible and effective protection from criminal elements.
The violent protest and its aftermath have also sparked a broader conversation across Edo State about governance, accountability, and the responsiveness of security institutions. While some observers argue that the removal of the DPO is a necessary corrective step, others contend that the deeper issues of crime and public trust must be tackled through a comprehensive strategy that integrates policing with community development and intelligence-led operations.
As the new DPO takes charge in Ekpoma, stakeholders will be watching closely to see whether the reorganisation leads to tangible improvements in security and a reduction in violent incidents. The coming weeks are likely to determine whether the police command’s strategic realignment can restore stability in a community that has been grappling with unrest and fear.
For now, the emphasis from government and law enforcement remains on preventing further violence, addressing security vulnerabilities, and rebuilding confidence among Ekpoma residents that their safety and rights are being prioritised in a fair and effective manner.
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