The Edo State Police Command has arrested over 50 persons following the violent turn of a protest held last Saturday in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area of the state.
The arrests were made at various locations within Ekpoma after the protest was allegedly hijacked by hoodlums who engaged in acts of looting and destruction of property.
During the unrest, several shops were reportedly broken into and goods carted away, while the palace of the Onojie of Ekpoma was also vandalised.
Police sources disclosed that the suspects were rounded up in coordinated operations and later conveyed in a Black Maria to Benin City, where they are currently being held pending their arraignment in court.
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At the court premises on Monday, relatives of some of the arrested persons were seen waiting anxiously for updates. However, security operatives cordoned off the courtroom and restricted access, preventing journalists and members of the public from entering.
Confirming the arrests, the Edo State Police Public Relations Officer, Eno Ikoedem, said the suspects were directly involved in looting and other violent acts that accompanied the protest.
He added that investigations are ongoing and assured residents that the police would not tolerate breakdown of law and order in any part of the state.
Further details are expected as the situation develops.