The Edo State Government has advised residents to avoid violence and disorderly conduct, following a protest that led to the blockage of major roads in Ekpoma on Saturday, January 10.
In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Kassim Afegbua, the government said it was responding to public concerns arising from the protest, which disrupted vehicular movement and raised questions about the state’s security situation.
While acknowledging the constitutional right of citizens to protest, Afegbua stressed that security-related issues require calm, coordination, and constructive engagement. He warned that actions such as road blockades and movement disruption do not support security efforts and could expose residents to further risks or be exploited by criminal elements.
The commissioner noted that Governor Monday Okpebholo has remained responsive to genuine security concerns since assuming office, emphasizing that effective security solutions are achieved through intelligence sharing, community cooperation, and sustained engagement with security agencies—not through uncoordinated actions that undermine public order.
He explained that the governor’s security strategy focuses on proactive measures, including strengthening the Edo Security Corps, supporting neighbourhood watch initiatives, and maintaining continuous engagement with community leaders, traditional institutions, and neighbouring states. These platforms, he said, are available for residents to report concerns and contribute to community safety.
Afegbua further cautioned that unstructured protests could distract security agencies from ongoing operations and complicate efforts to tackle crime. He urged residents to remain calm, law-abiding, and supportive of security personnel working to protect lives and property.
The Edo State Government reaffirmed its openness to dialogue and assured the people of Ekpoma and the wider state that security strategies are constantly being reviewed and improved in line with Governor Okpebholo’s commitment to a safer Edo State.