Hundreds of residents in Agenebode, the headquarters of Etsako East Local Government Area in Edo State, staged a massive protest on Monday against what they describe as daily killings and kidnappings allegedly perpetrated by armed herdsmen in their communities.
The demonstration brought commercial activities to a standstill as youths demanded swift action from Governor Monday Okpebholo.
Protesters marched through major roads and government offices, carrying placards with messages like #EndKidnappingInAgenebode, #EtsakoEastUnderSiege, and #WhereIsOurGovernor, calling on state and federal lawmakers to urgently intervene against what they termed “ongoing ethnic cleansing.”
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Shops, stalls, and businesses were shut down as residents joined the youth in solidarity.
Some placards specifically targeted prominent political figures from the area, including Senator Adams Oshiomhole, Minister Abubakar Momoh, and Hon. Sunday Dekere Anamero, accusing them of neglecting their suffering constituents.
One placard notably read, “Oshiomhole, you’re busy in Port Harcourt with NDDC while your people are dying in Etsako East!”
The peaceful protest, which began early Monday, included processions through Agenebode Market Road, Bode Ivioghe Road, and the Local Government Secretariat. Demonstrators sang, chanted, and demanded immediate government intervention to restore security.
In an unusual turn, local government workers were compelled to evacuate their offices at the Secretariat and join the protest, citing fears of becoming the next victims.
“We can no longer go to work with peace of mind. The fear of being kidnapped is real,” a council staff member told reporters.
Protesters also called for the construction of a new police station, a permanent military checkpoint along the Fugar-Agenebode axis, and the empowerment of local vigilante groups to take control of security in the area.
They urged Governor Okpebholo to revive and fund local forest guard operations, similar to those initiated by suspended LG Chairman, Hon. (Princess) Benedicta Attoh, who had reportedly collaborated with traditional leaders to pay youths for forest patrols.
Comrade Abdul Ayegbeni, speaking on behalf of the protesting youth, warned, “Our people are fleeing their homes. What is happening in Benue must not be allowed to happen in Agenebode.”
He also criticized federal and state lawmakers representing Etsako East for being out of touch with grassroots realities. Ayegbeni demanded that Senator Oshiomhole, Minister Momoh, Hon. Kingsley Ugabi, and Rep. Sunday Dekere convene an emergency security summit with local vigilante groups and traditional institutions to strategize and provide logistical support for local defense.
“We are tired of the silence. We want security, not promises. Our communities are becoming ghost towns,” Ayegbeni added.
See video below:
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