Rising Ekpoma kidnapping fears have forced Esan West authorities to restrict night movement of Okada and Keke operators to strengthen security.
Authorities in Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State have introduced new security restrictions following growing public anxiety over crime, particularly Ekpoma kidnapping incidents that residents say have become frequent and frightening.
The Acting Chairman of the council, Albert Blessing Ebhodaghe, announced a restriction on the movement of motorcycles, popularly known as Okada, and tricycles, also called Keke, as part of immediate efforts to restore calm and enhance public safety.
Under the directive, all commercial and private operators of these vehicles are required to cease operations by 7:00 p.m. daily.
Ebhodaghe explained that the decision was informed by recent security developments in Ekpoma, the administrative headquarters of the local government.
He said the measure was not intended to punish transport operators or restrict economic activities unnecessarily, but to reduce criminal mobility during late hours when crimes are often committed unnoticed.
According to him, the local government could no longer ignore complaints from residents who feel unsafe in their homes and neighbourhoods.
He stressed that Ekpoma kidnapping cases have generated fear across communities, making it necessary for authorities to act swiftly to prevent further escalation.
The council chairman disclosed that security agencies operating within Esan West have been officially directed to enforce the restriction.
He warned that violators would be sanctioned in line with existing laws, adding that security remains a collective responsibility requiring cooperation from all segments of society.
The restriction followed a tense protest in Ekpoma, where residents took to the streets to express anger over what they described as unchecked criminal activities.
Protesters reportedly set up bonfires along the Ekpoma axis of the Benin–Abuja Highway, causing traffic gridlock and leaving motorists stranded for hours.
Participants in the protest claimed that kidnappers had changed tactics, allegedly abducting people directly from their homes instead of highways.
Many residents said Ekpoma kidnapping incidents were no longer isolated events but had become alarmingly regular, forcing families to live in constant fear.
Some residents argued that the protest was a desperate attempt to draw government attention to their plight, insisting that previous complaints had not produced visible results.
However, the disruption of traffic and economic activities raised concerns among authorities about the unintended consequences of such actions.
Reacting to the situation, Edo State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Prince Kassim Afegbua, urged residents to remain calm and avoid actions that could worsen the security situation.
He noted that while public concern over Ekpoma kidnapping is understandable, uncoordinated protests could be hijacked by criminal elements.
Afegbua warned that blocking major roads and disrupting movement might distract security agencies from active operations and create opportunities for criminals to strike elsewhere.
He advised citizens to channel their grievances through appropriate and established platforms designed to address security concerns.
The commissioner reassured the public that Governor Monday Okpebholo remains committed to addressing security challenges across Edo State.
He said the governor has continued to respond to credible complaints and intelligence reports, particularly those related to kidnapping and violent crimes.
According to Afegbua, the state government believes that sustainable solutions to Ekpoma kidnapping and similar crimes lie in intelligence sharing, community vigilance and consistent collaboration with security agencies.
He emphasized that security efforts are most effective when residents actively support law enforcement rather than undermine public order.
He further explained that the governor’s security framework focuses on proactive measures such as strengthening the Edo Security Corps, expanding neighbourhood watch structures and deepening engagement with community leaders and traditional institutions.
Cooperation with neighbouring states, he added, also plays a vital role in tackling cross-border crimes.
Afegbua noted that these mechanisms provide residents with safe channels to report suspicious movements, share useful information and participate meaningfully in protecting their communities.
He stressed that security agencies rely heavily on community cooperation to prevent crimes like Ekpoma kidnapping before they occur.
The state government, he said, understands the frustration of residents but urged them to remain law-abiding and supportive of ongoing security efforts.
He emphasized that security operatives are working tirelessly, often under difficult conditions, to protect lives and property.
As authorities intensify enforcement of the new transport restrictions, residents of Esan West are hopeful that the measures will help curb criminal activities and restore a sense of safety.
While the restriction may cause temporary inconvenience, many believe it is a necessary step toward addressing the deepening security concerns confronting Ekpoma and surrounding communities.
