Violence erupted in Auchi Sacred Kingdom, Edo State, on Saturday after growing anger over repeated kidnapping incidents triggered unrest in parts of the town.
Tensions had been building for days as residents voiced frustration over rising insecurity, with many saying kidnappings have become increasingly frequent in the community.
Speaking to ARISE News anonymously, a member of the Otaru Council in the Auchi Sacred Kingdom described the scale of the crisis facing the community.
“For months now, we have been facing a lot of kidnapping issues. Every day, there must be a report of kidnapping. Once they kidnap, the ransom they ask for is from N100 million. And we cannot take it anymore.”
The unrest followed earlier protests by elderly women in the kingdom who took to major roads and streets, publicly laying curses on those responsible for the kidnappings and anyone believed to be aiding or supporting them.
Confirming the development, the council member said the protests reflected the deep frustration among residents
