Police stormed hostels in Ekpoma, Edo State, late at night and arrested more than 40 students, including the Student Union Government president, following a violent protest against rampant kidnappings.
Students and residents from Ambrose Alli University flooded the streets on January 10, 2026, to demand action against escalating insecurity.
They highlighted recent abductions, including a deadly incident on January 9 where kidnappers killed a victim after collecting ransom.
However, the demonstration quickly turned chaotic as protesters attacked the Onojie of Ekpoma’s palace and set a local police station ablaze.
Authorities swiftly responded to the unrest.
Governor Monday Okpebholo condemned the violence and blamed infiltrating hoodlums for escalating the situation.
Similarly, Police Commissioner Monday Agbonika vowed to crack down on kidnappers while restoring order in the area.
Despite these assurances, insecurity persisted.
Kidnappers struck again the next day, abducting another resident and underscoring the community’s ongoing fears.
Meanwhile, a viral video from an Ekpoma hostel captured the tense atmosphere, showing illuminated buildings during the raids as students faced arrests.
