By Joe Udo
BENIN CITY (CONVERSEER) – Netizens have taken to social media to accuse the Nigeria Police and Nigerian Army personnel of shooting at, killing and injuring students of Ambrose Alli University, who were protesting over worsening insecurity, including kidnappings in Ekpoma, Edo State.
Some of the netizens who shared their stories on X (Twitter) alleged that the security forces stormed the protest on Saturday and shot at students, leaving many wounded and others in critical condition.
According to Parallel Facts, the demonstration, staged by students and residents, was aimed at calling attention to the rising wave of kidnappings and insecurity in Ekpoma.
An X user, @Poeticmedic1, claimed the students were protesting peacefully when the security operatives began shooting and arresting participants, including those in university hostels.
“The media won’t tell you, but people died in Ekpoma protest yesterday. Killed by the police and the army. Scores of people were injured. They shot at civilians and arrested students in their hostels. Don’t let their story die out,” the user said.
https://twitter.com/Poeticmedic1/status/2010237449985761691
A senior netizen, Osaro, PhD, wrote: “A massive protest is currently raging in Ekpoma over the alarming surge in kidnappings, and it demands immediate urgent action. Ekpoma is home to Ambrose Alli University (AAU), where thousands of our relatives and young students are enrolled and now live in constant fear.
“Tragically, a promising young man, a fresh graduate, has lost his life in the most heartbreaking circumstances after being kidnapped, with ransom demands unmet, leading to his murder. The most painful part? The same police and security forces who have failed to protect residents from these ruthless kidnappers are now turning their weapons on peaceful protesters.
“Reports and videos show officers storming student hostels in Gestapo-style raids, breaking doors, making arrests, and even opening fire, resulting in deaths and injuries. I watched footage last night of police invading hostels, terrorising students who simply want safety. Where was this same energy, this rapid deployment, when kidnappers were abducting and killing our people?
“This double standard is fueling dangerous rumours and widespread belief that some security agencies may be complicit in or even part of the kidnapping syndicates.
“Nigeria is bleeding, Ekpoma is bleeding, and our country is increasingly looking like a full-blown crime scene.
The cries of the people cannot be ignored any longer.”
A massive protest is currently raging in Ekpoma over the alarming surge in kidnappings, and it demands immediate urgent action.
Ekpoma is home to Ambrose Alli University (AAU), where thousands of our relatives and young students are enrolled and now live in constant fear.… pic.twitter.com/RJhM3wnz22— Osaro PhD, Csu. (@OfficiaEdoOsasB) January 11, 2026
Another netizen, Emmanuel, in an X post, wrote: “Protester Shot by Soldier in Ekpoma Reported Dead – One of the protesters who was shot by a soldier during the k!dnapp!ng protest in Ekpoma has been confirmed d£ad. Another protester, who was also shot in the abdomen, is currently battling for his life.”
*Protester Shot by Soldier in Ekpoma Reported Dead*
One of the protesters who was shot by a soldier during the k!dnapp!ng protest in Ekpoma has been confirmed d£ad.
Another protester, who was also shot in the abdomen, is currently battling for his life. #EkpomaIsBleeding pic.twitter.com/Zapgxu07sO— Emmanuel (@Emmanuel__001__) January 10, 2026
JK, wrote: “Happening now in Ekpoma Edo State, we are no longer safe and can’t even go out at night anymore, they are killing us, the town is bleeding.”
Happening now in Ekpoma Edo State, we are no longer safe and can't even go out at night anymore, they are killing us, the town is bleeding 😭. @m_akpakomiza pic.twitter.com/OKE8o6wr5M
— (JK) (@jkrmcf) January 10, 2026
In a post on X, the netizen urged the public not to ignore the story, warning against the excessive use of force on civilians exercising their right to peaceful protest.
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“They came out to demand safety, and this is the price they paid,” the netizen wrote, highlighting the deadly crackdown by security agencies.
The incident has sparked outrage online, with human rights groups and students’ associations condemning the attack.
Many have called for an immediate investigation into the actions of the police and army, demanding accountability and stronger measures to protect students and residents from further violence.
The security agencies are yet to release a statement to this effect at the time of filing this report.
