Forum Bemoans Disruption Of Peaceful Protest Over Neglect

Concerned citizens under the aegis of the Akoko-Edo Forum (AEF) have lamented that a peaceful demonstration aimed at expressing what it described as long-standing grievances in the Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of Edo state.

According to the forum, the protest, which drew participants from across the three zones of the local government, was convened to spotlight years of perceived marginalisation, infrastructural decay, rising insecurity, and deteriorating road networks in the area.

It, however, said that what began as an orderly assembly of voices united by a common cause quickly descended into chaos following the alleged interception of thugs.

According to the group, acting secretary of the local government council, Topa Okomayin, allegedly arrived at the protest venue with some youths who disrupted the demonstration.

The forum, in a statement signed by its spokespersons,

Mary Opii and Edith Aiyede reiterated the demands for equity, justice and development.

They lamented the deplorable condition of the Auchi–Igarra–Ibillo road, a vital artery that has reportedly become a hotspot for kidnapping and other criminal activities.

The forum described the situation as emblematic of decades of systemic neglect by successive administrations in Edo state.

It condemned the disruption of the protest, describing it as a deliberate attempt to silence legitimate voices and suppress democratic expression.

The forum, however, commended the professionalism of the Divisional Police Officer in Igarra and operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) in Akoko-Edo for averting a potential escalation of the situation.

It insisted on the need for accountable representation, equitable distribution of state projects, improved security, and urgent road rehabilitation, which underscored a collective yearning for change.

The forum challenged political officeholders to remember their obligations to their constituencies, while others called for institutional scrutiny by anti-corruption agencies.

It also called for additional local government areas, improved educational infrastructure—including the long-awaited Edo Polytechnic campus in Igarra—and greater youth empowerment.

The AEF reaffirmed its commitment to peaceful advocacy, insisting that the struggle for justice, equity, and development in Akoko-Edo will continue through lawful means

The forum urged all indigenes, both at home and in the diaspora, to remain united and resist what it described as political manipulation aimed at weakening their collective voice.