As part of ongoing security reviews and strategic measures in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State, the Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, has directed a reorganisation of the Ekpoma Police Division.
The command’s Public Relations Officer, Eno Ikoedem, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday, adding that CSP Tomofe Nwabueze has been posted to take over as the new Divisional Police Officer (DPO) with immediate effect.
“The Edo State Police Command wishes to inform the public that, as part of continuous security assessment and strategic repositioning in Ekpoma, the Commissioner of Police has ordered a full reorganisation of the Ekpoma Division,” the statement read. “CSP Tomofe Nwabueze has been posted to assume office as the new DPO with immediate effect.”
The directive follows unrest in Ekpoma on Saturday, when residents protested against rising insecurity, including kidnappings and the killing of a youth the previous night. Protesters initially blocked a major highway to express their concerns, but the demonstration was later overtaken by unruly youths who attacked traders at the local livestock market.
According to The PUNCH, the violence saw goats killed and cows beaten, incidents captured in a viral video. The rioters also vandalised the palace of the Onojie of Ekpoma, Zaiki Anthony Abumere II, an act strongly condemned by Governor Okpebholo.
Ikoedem noted that one person was shot by a soldier during the unrest and that the matter has been referred to military authorities for further investigation.
