The court gave the order following a request by the prosecution for a 14-day remand period
Some youths arrested during the recent protest over insecurity in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State, have been ordered remanded at the Ubiaja Correctional Centre by the Edo State High Court, Criminal Court 2.
The court gave the order following a request by the prosecution for a 14-day remand period.
The protesters were arrested after a demonstration against rising cases of kidnapping and insecurity in the town last weekend.
Tears were observed at the court premises as some of the arrested youths and their relatives wailed while the suspects were taken into a waiting vehicle.
The protest was sparked by growing concerns among residents over kidnappings and killings in the Edo Central region.
A viral video from the protest showed residents marching through the town, while some persons believed to be cattle breeders were seen fleeing a market on sighting the protesters.
The Edo State Police Command said it intervened after the protest was hijacked.
In a statement on Sunday, the police said the Area Commander in Ekpoma had mobilised officers in collaboration with other security agencies to ensure the protest remained peaceful.
The police said the situation degenerated after protesters allegedly engaged in vandalism, looting, and destruction of property.
According to the statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eno Ikoedem, the breakdown of order also involved a military personnel discharging a firearm during the protest.
The Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, was said to have led additional tactical teams from the state command headquarters in Benin to restore order.
The police said normalcy was restored through coordinated deployments and professional crowd control measures.
Those involved in acts of violence, vandalism, and looting were identified and arrested, while investigations are ongoing, the police added.
The police also confirmed that a 32-year-old man, Osagie Abraham, was shot during the protest and is currently receiving medical treatment in Ekpoma.
The Commissioner of Police ordered a thorough investigation into the shooting, while the military authorities were notified to take disciplinary action against the personnel involved.
The police reiterated that citizens have the constitutional right to peaceful protest but warned that such actions must not infringe on public safety or property.
Addressing kidnapping concerns, the police said intensified intelligence-led operations and strategic patrols were being deployed across Edo State, including Ekpoma.
Meanwhile, concerns have continued over the presence of herders allegedly settled deep within communities.
The Convener of the Esan Worldwide Community, Aigbokhan Oseremen, called on the Edo State Government to introduce permits for outsiders before settling in local communities.
Oseremen alleged that some of the herders operating in the area were involved in terrorist activities.
Responding, the Edo State Government said strategies were already in place to dislodge criminal elements from forests and communities.
The Special Adviser to Governor Monday Okpebholo on Media and Publicity, Bugie Okhuemoi, said technology-driven security measures had been activated and results would soon be visible.
Governor Monday Okpebholo also assured residents that his administration was committed to ending kidnapping, cultism, and other criminal activities in the state.
He said massive investments had been made in modern security equipment, intelligence gathering, and inter-agency collaboration.
The governor warned that there would be no hiding place for criminals or their sponsors in Edo State.
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