The Edo State High Court sitting as Criminal Court 2, has ordered the remand of several youths arrested during a protest in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area, at the Ubiaja Correctional Centre for a period of 14 days.
The youths were arraigned in court following a demonstration staged last weekend by residents protesting the rising cases of kidnapping and worsening insecurity in the area.
Relatives of the accused were seen weeping as the protesters were taken into a waiting vehicle after the court session.
The protest, which initially began peacefully, gained widespread attention after a video circulated online showing demonstrators marching through the community, while some individuals believed to be cattle breeders reportedly fled a nearby market upon sighting the protesters.
According to the Edo State Police Command, the demonstration was later hijacked by hoodlums, leading to incidents of vandalism and looting.
During the unrest, a military personnel allegedly fired shots, injuring a protester identified as 32-year-old Osagie Abraham.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, Monday Agbonika, confirmed that he visited the injured protester, who is currently receiving medical treatment.
He added that the military personnel involved in the shooting have been identified and that appropriate disciplinary measures are underway.
Authorities assured the public that investigations into the incident are ongoing and that all individuals found culpable would be held accountable.
The police reiterated that while citizens have the right to peaceful protest, such actions must be conducted lawfully and without resorting to violence or destruction of property.
Meanwhile, the Edo State Government, under Governor Monday Okpebholo, reaffirmed its commitment to addressing insecurity across the state.
The government disclosed that intensified security operations are being carried out to combat kidnapping, cultism, and other criminal activities.
Residents were also urged to cooperate with security agencies by providing credible information and desist from harbouring criminals.
