A violent protest erupted in Agenebode, the headquarters of Etsako East Local Government Area in Edo State, as irate youths set a police station on fire, along with several vehicles inside, following allegations of police complicity in a series of kidnappings and organ harvesting linked to Fulani suspects in the area.
The unrest reportedly began after the abduction of a young boy several weeks ago. Despite a ransom being paid, the boy was not released, sparking outrage in the community. Local youths, tracking a suspect’s phone, apprehended the individual and handed him over to the police. However, frustration grew when the suspect was allegedly traced to the leader of the Hausa/Fulani community in the area, and the police were seen as handling the case poorly.
Angered by the perceived lack of action, the youths took matters into their own hands, storming the police station and forcibly removing the suspect. The suspect allegedly led them to the home of the Hausa/Fulani leader, where a gruesome discovery was made— the decomposing body of the kidnapped boy and several other human bones were unearthed.
The enraged youths responded by setting fire to the leader’s residence, reportedly killing several individuals associated with the community, and destroying local businesses linked to the Hausa/Fulani group. They then targeted the police station, burning it to the ground.
One of the protestors expressed the community’s frustration, saying, “Enough is enough. The police are killing our children and still collecting money from us. These kidnappers take ransom and still kill their victims. We have had enough.”
Authorities, including Assistant Inspector General of Police Arungwa Udo and Edo State Police Commissioner Nemi Edwin-Iwo, visited the scene to assess the situation and restore order.
The Edo State Police Public Relations Officer, Moses Yamu, briefly responded to inquiries, stating, “Will get back to you ASAP,” as investigations continue.
