Angry youths and residents of Ekpoma in Esan West Local Government Area, Edo State, took to the streets today in a powerful protest against the surging wave of kidnappings terrorising their community, especially around Ambrose Alli University and neighbouring villages.
In videos circulating widely on social media, demonstrators, many carrying placards, marched along major roads chanting, “No to Kidnapping!” and demanding urgent government action to end the insecurity that has left students, families and professionals living in fear.
The latest protest comes amid heightened tensions following a series of kidnapping incidents in the region, including the tragic abduction on January 1 of two brothers at Igbira Camp, Auchi.
One of the victims, a fresh medical graduate from AAU, was killed by his captors despite ransom negotiations, while his elder brother, a medical doctor remains in the kidnappers’ hands with an ongoing ransom demand.
Earlier this week, students had already taken to the streets in a peaceful demonstration over the escalating kidnappings, and doctors in Auchi and surrounding communities staged their own protests to call attention to the broader climate of fear affecting health workers and residents alike.
The unrest was further inflamed by reports of a foiled kidnapping attempt in Idumebo last night, a development that many locals say underscores how dangerous the situation has become.
In reaction to the spate of abductions, the Edo State chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association issued a statement on Friday threatening a statewide suspension of medical services until effective security measures are put in place and the abducted doctor is safely released.
In the statement, Chairman Dr. Eustace Oseghale said, “The abduction of our colleagues raises serious concerns about the safety of healthcare professionals in Edo State. This situation threatens not only our lives but also the ability of doctors to render essential services to the public.”
He added that the association would continue to withhold services “until our colleagues are released and adequate security measures are implemented.”
Governor Monday Okpebholo, through his spokesman, has previously acknowledged the problem and vowed that the state government will not relent in its efforts to tackle kidnapping and other criminal activities.
In a recent press statement, the governor described the killing of the young medical graduate as “unfortunate, painful and deeply regrettable” and assured that the administration remains committed to restoring safety across Edo State.
Security agencies have yet to issue an official response regarding today’s Ekpoma protest, but community leaders and protesters are urging more decisive action, including increased patrols and intelligence-led operations to dismantle kidnapping networks in the region.
