Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has cast doubt on widespread assumptions that Fulani herdsmen were behind a recent kidnapping incident in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area.
Speaking during a strategic security meeting and a visit to the palace of the Onojie of Ekpoma, His Royal Highness Zaiki Anthony Ehizojie Abumere II, the governor pointed to evidence from CCTV footage that showed the abductors had masked their faces. He emphasized that this approach did not align with what he described as the traditional methods of Fulani kidnappers."Somebody came out from his car, you kidnapped him.
You did not even ask for ransom, you did not ask for anything. The people that kidnapped this guy masked their faces. That is not the traditional way of Fulanis," Governor Okpebholo stated.The incident sparked outrage in the community, culminating in a protest on January 10, 2026, against rising insecurity and repeated kidnappings.
What began as a peaceful demonstration reportedly escalated into violence, with some youths attacking traders at the local livestock market and vandalizing parts of the traditional ruler's palace—an action the governor has strongly condemned.Okpebholo has assured residents that his administration is intensifying efforts to combat kidnapping across Edo State, including technology-driven operations that recently led to the rescue of nine abducted persons in another area.
He has also vowed to pursue those responsible for the violence and looting, describing them as criminal elements rather than herdsmen, and promised that no one involved would escape justice.As peace gradually returns to Ekpoma, the governor urged the public to disregard unverified reports and fake videos while security agencies continue their work to restore normalcy and safety in the region.
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