As the daily protest in Ekpoma over the police killing of a suspected “Yahoo boy” continued Monday, Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo said security remains a top priority of his administration as he moved to stop killings and abductions in the state.
The governor made this announcement on his verified X handle while meeting with security chiefs and key stakeholders to discuss ways to improve security throughout the state.
In the previous weeks, clashes between farmers and alleged produce thieves in Ovia were reported to have claimed 22 lives.
Additionally, there has been an increase in kidnapping cases since last Thursday, when his kidnappers killed Peter Andrew, a 21-year-old seminarian from the St. Peter Catholic Church in the Ivukwa Community, Etsako East Local Government Area of the state.
Along with Rev. Fr. Peter Ekweli, who had been set free and reunited with the church, he was abducted on March 3.
Speaking in light of the murders and kidnappings, Okpebholo stated that the security meeting’s deliberations were on proactive steps to address security issues, bring peace back, and guarantee that people can live, work, and do business without fear.
The governor said, “Earlier today (Monday), I convened a Security Council Meeting with security chiefs and key stakeholders to deliberate on strategies to enhance security across Edo State.”
“Our discussions focused on proactive measures to tackle security challenges, restore peace, and ensure that citizens can live, work, and conduct business without fear.”
“Security remains a top priority on our administration’s agenda because where there is security, there is progress. This administration is committed to building a safer, more prosperous Edo for all.”
A local told reporters during the Ekpoma rally that the crisis began last week. At a roadblock, he claimed, the police pulled over a car, and the driver immediately fled.
While his brother, who was in the car with him, was taken into custody and sent to the state command headquarters in Benin, the escaping suspect was shot and killed by one of the police officers.
The resident said, “The boy who is suspected to be involved in Internet fraud known as Yahoo Yahoo was stopped by the police, but he opened his car and took to his heels.”
“One of the officers shot him, and he died. His brother was in the car with hi,m and he was arrested and taken to the state command in Benin.”
“Members of the community have been protesting since then. Today (Monday), they moved to Ambrose Alli University, hoping that the students will join the protest but the school is not in session.”
