Violent protests rocked Agenebode, the headquarters of Etsako East Local Government Area in Edo State, on Sunday, as numerous lives were allegedly lost over suspicions of criminal activities involving kidnappings and organ harvesting.
LeadNaija gathered that the violence erupted over allegations that criminal Fulani groups responsible for kidnapping and suspected organ harvesting were receiving protection from the police.
According to Independent, the incident that triggered Sunday’s violence reportedly began with the kidnapping of a young boy weeks ago.
Despite the ransom payment, the boy had not been released, sparking public outrage. Local youths tracked the boy’s phone, leading them to a suspect who was handed over to the police.
Further investigation allegedly linked the suspect to a leader in the local Hausa/Fulani community.
Frustrated with the police’s handling of the situation, community youths stormed the police station, seizing the suspect, who reportedly led them to the residence of the Hausa/Fulani leader.
Upon intense questioning, he allegedly confessed that numerous kidnapping victims had been murdered and buried in shallow graves after their organs were harvested.
The youths, enraged by this revelation, dug up the decomposing body of the kidnapped boy in the leader’s compound, where they reportedly uncovered human bones, believed to belong to other victims.
The protesters then set fire to the compound and other properties associated with the Hausa/Fulani community, including business centers.
Some community members reportedly lost their lives in the violence before the mob proceeded to torch the police station.
One of the protesting youths voiced their frustration, saying, “Enough is enough; this has to end. The police kill our children and still take money from us. These kidnappers abduct our children, collect money—₦2.5 million, sometimes ₦3 million—and still end up killing the victims.”
The council chairman, Mrs. Benedicta Atoh, was reportedly too shocked to comment.
In response to the escalating situation, Assistant Inspector General of Police Zone 5, Arungwa Udo, and the Edo State Commissioner of Police, Nemi Edwin-Iwo, arrived in Agenebode to assess the damage and attempt to restore order.
The Edo State Police Public Relations Officer, Moses Yamu, responded briefly via text, stating, “Will get back to you ASAP (as soon as possible).”
