Residents of Edo State’s Etsako East Local Government Area headquarters, Agenebode, demonstrated on Monday against what they said were everyday killings and kidnappings committed in their towns by armed herdsmen.
It was understood that the demonstration halted business operations in the local villages, and the young people urged Governor Monday Okpebholo to take immediate action.
Protesters carrying signs that read #EndKidnappingInAgenebode, #EtsakoEastUnderSiege, and #WhereIsOurGovernor urged the state leader and federal lawmakers to act immediately to stop what they described as a “ongoing ethnic cleansing” as they stormed government buildings and major roads.
Businesses, shops, and markets were closed as locals joined the young people in a show of solidarity.
Top local politicians, such as Senator Adams Oshiomhole, Minister Abubakar Momoh, and Hon. Sunday Dekere Anamero, were the targets of some of the banners, which accused them of doing nothing while their people suffered.
“Your people are dying in Etsako East, and you’re busy with NDDC in Port Harcourt, Oshiomhole!” A sign said.
The demonstration started early Monday and featured nonviolent processions through the Local Government Secretariat, Bode Ivioghe Road, and Agenebode Market Road, according to Naija News. In addition to chanting and singing, protesters called for prompt government action to reestablish security.
Due to their fear of being the next victims, local government employees were compelled to leave their Secretariat offices and participate in the protest, which was an unusual development.
“We can no longer leave for work with confidence. One council employee informed reporters, “There is a genuine fear of being abducted.”
A permanent military roadblock along the Fugar-Agenebode axis, the building of a new police station, and the enabling of local vigilante organizations to assume responsibility of local security were among demands made by the demonstrators.
Governor Okpebholo was encouraged by the demonstrators to restore and finance local forest guard operations similar to those started by Hon. (Princess) Benedicta Attoh, the suspended LG Chairman, who allegedly collaborated with traditional leaders to compensate young people to patrol the forests on shift duty.
“Our citizens are escaping their houses. Speaking on behalf of the young people who were protesting, Comrade Abdul Ayegbeni cautioned that what was occurring in Benue should not be let to occur in Agenebode.
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State and federal legislators who represent Etsako East were also criticized by Ayegbeni, who said they were disconnected from the reality on the ground.
He called for an emergency security summit to be called by Senator Oshiomhole, Minister Momoh, Hon. Kingsley Ugabi, and Representative Sunday Dekere. The summit should include all local vigilante groups and traditional institutions in order to plan and support grassroots defense logistically.
We’re sick of the quiet. Instead of promises, we want security. Ayegbeni continued, “Our communities are turning into abandoned settlements.”
As far as Naija News is aware, as of the time this article was filed, the state administration had not yet issued an official statement on the situation.
