On a quiet Sunday afternoon in Agenebode, Edo State, violence erupted as protests over allegations of kidnapping and organ harvesting spiraled out of control. The tragic event, which unfolded in Etsako East Local Government Area, left several people dead and a police station in flames.
The protests were ignited by claims that suspected criminals had been kidnapping people in the area and harvesting their organs. Tensions reached a boiling point when a young boy, reportedly kidnapped weeks earlier, remained missing despite a ransom being paid. Community youths, determined to take matters into their own hands, tracked the phone of a suspect who was handed over to the police. The suspect’s trail eventually led to a community leader who was accused of orchestrating the killings.
Dissatisfied with how the police were handling the case, the angry youths stormed the police station, freeing the suspect. Under pressure, the suspect allegedly confessed to the gruesome killings, revealing shallow graves in the community leader’s compound. The enraged youths uncovered a decomposing body and several human bones, sparking further outrage.
In retaliation, the mob set fire to the community leader's home and other properties before targeting the local police station, which was also burned down. Despite attempts by law enforcement to quell the chaos, the violence resulted in multiple fatalities.
Authorities, including the Assistant Inspector General of Police for Zone 5, Arungwa Udo, and the State Commissioner of Police, Nemi Edwin-Iwo, have visited the area to restore peace, but the community remains shaken.
This disturbing series of events highlights the growing insecurity and the community's frustration with law enforcement. Many are calling on the Edo State government to address both the safety concerns and the larger issues plaguing the region. As the investigation continues, the community is left grappling with fear, anger, and a deep sense of injustice.
Edo State must now confront not only the immediate tragedy but also the long term implications for security and trust in the justice system.