The Edo State Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, has approved the deployment of CSP Tomofe Nwabueze as the new Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State.
Naijaonpoint reports that Nwabueze replaces the former DPO, Nelson Igbinoba, who was removed following deadly protests that rocked the town in Edo Central Senatorial District.
The appointment takes immediate effect.
This was disclosed in a statement issued on Tuesday by the spokesman of the Edo State Police Command, Eno Ikoedem.
According to the statement, ...ing is part of ongoing security assessment and strategic repositioning aimed at restoring calm in Ekpoma.
“The Edo State Police Command wishes to inform the general public that as part of ongoing security assessment and strategic repositioning in Ekpoma, the Commissioner of Police, Edo State Command, Monday Agbonika, has ordered the reorganisation of the Ekpoma Division.
“The CP has also approved ...ing of CSP Tomofe Nwabueze to assume office as the new DPO with immediate effect,” the statement read.
The crisis began last Saturday when residents of Ekpoma staged a protest over rising insecurity in the area, including cases of kidnapping and the killing of a youth on Friday night.
During the protest, demonstrators blocked a major highway to express their grievances.
However, the protest was later hijacked by hoodlums, who attacked traders at the livestock market.
Viral videos from the scene showed goats killed and cows beaten during the attack.
The hoodlums also vandalised the palace of the Zaiki Anthony Abumere II, the Onojie of Ekpoma, an action that drew widespread condemnation.
Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, condemned the violence and destruction of property, describing the attack on the monarch’s palace as unacceptable.