The Edo State Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, has approved the posting of CSP Tomofe Nwabueze as the new Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Ekpoma in Esan West Local Government Area.
Nwabueze replaces the former DPO, Nelson Igbinoba, who was redeployed after violent protests erupted in the town within the Edo Central Senatorial District. The appointment takes immediate effect.
The development was confirmed in a statement released on Tuesday by the Edo State Police Command spokesperson, Eno Ikoedem, who explained that the decision followed ongoing security assessments and strategic repositioning aimed at restoring peace in Ekpoma.
According to the statement, the Commissioner of Police ordered a reorganisation of the Ekpoma Division as part of efforts to strengthen security in the area, approving the immediate assumption of duty by CSP Nwabueze.
The unrest began last Saturday when residents protested against growing insecurity, including incidents of kidnapping and the killing of a youth the previous night. During the demonstration, protesters blocked a major highway to draw attention to their concerns.
The situation later deteriorated after hoodlums hijacked the protest, attacking traders at the livestock market. Videos circulating online showed animals killed and others assaulted during the violence. The assailants also vandalised the palace of the Onojie of Ekpoma, Zaiki Anthony Abumere II, an act that sparked widespread condemnation.
Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, denounced the violence and destruction of property, describing the attack on the monarch’s palace as unacceptable.
