The mood in Ekpoma, a bustling university town in Edo State’s Esan West Local Government Area, has been one of grief and simmering anger following the kidnapping and killing of a young man whose death has jolted the community and reignited concerns over insecurity in the state.

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has publicly mourned the victim and vowed a sweeping security response, promising that those responsible will be tracked down and brought to justice. His reaction comes amid mounting anxiety among residents and students of Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, who say the incident has deepened a climate of fear that has been building over time.

In a statement issued through his verified X handle, the governor described the killing as “tragic” and “heartbreaking,” extending his condolences to the victim’s family, friends and the wider Ekpoma community. He acknowledged the emotional toll the crime has taken, noting that the outrage and fear expressed by residents are both understandable and justified.

“I am deeply saddened and disturbed by the kidnapping and killing of a young man in Ekpoma,” Okpebholo said, calling the incident a painful reminder of the urgent need to strengthen security architecture across the state. He stressed that no citizen should be forced to live in fear or feel unsafe in their own community, especially in a town that hosts one of Edo’s most prominent tertiary institutions.

The governor disclosed that he personally travelled to Ekpoma to assess the situation on the ground. During the visit, he met with community leaders, youth representatives, security operatives and other stakeholders in a bid to understand the circumstances surrounding the crime and to reassure residents that the state government is not treating the matter lightly.

According to accounts from local sources and community members, the victim was abducted by armed men, sparking frantic efforts by family and friends to secure his release. Details of the negotiations and the precise sequence of events remain murky, but the discovery of his body sent shockwaves through the town. For many, it was not just another crime statistic; it was a stark symbol of how vulnerable ordinary people have become.

Students of Ambrose Alli University, who form a large part of Ekpoma’s population, have been particularly vocal. Some have taken to social media to share their fears about moving around town, especially at night, and to demand stronger protection from both state authorities and campus security. Others have recounted previous incidents of robbery and abduction along key routes linking the campus to residential areas and neighbouring communities.

In response, Okpebholo announced that he has directed security agencies to intensify operations in Ekpoma and its environs. This, he said, includes increased patrols, intelligence gathering and coordinated actions among the police, local vigilante groups and other security formations. The goal, he explained, is not only to apprehend the perpetrators of this particular crime but also to deter future attacks.

“I have directed our security agencies to intensify operations, with immediate measures to prevent further incidents. We are working closely with all relevant authorities to strengthen security and restore calm,” the governor stated, signalling that the government is prepared to deploy additional resources where necessary.

Security analysts note that Ekpoma’s strategic location along a major highway and its status as a university town make it both economically important and potentially vulnerable to criminal gangs who exploit porous security arrangements. In recent years, parts of Edo and neighbouring states have grappled with incidents of kidnapping for ransom, armed robbery and clashes involving local vigilantes and suspected criminal elements.

Okpebholo, who has repeatedly framed security as a cornerstone of his administration, used the Ekpoma tragedy to reaffirm that commitment. He stressed that the protection of lives and property remains his highest priority and that his government is prepared to take “decisive action” to restore confidence among residents.

“I hear the voices of our people, and I am committed to taking decisive action. I stand with Ekpoma, and I will not relent until safety is fully restored,” he said, in a message clearly aimed at reassuring a shaken public.

Beyond immediate security deployments, community leaders in Ekpoma are pushing for a more sustainable approach. They are calling for better street lighting, the clearing of overgrown areas that provide cover for criminals, the installation of surveillance cameras in key locations and a more structured collaboration between formal security agencies and local vigilante networks.

Student groups and civil society organisations have also urged the government to address the psychological impact of such violent incidents. They are advocating for counselling services for traumatised students and residents, as well as public forums where people can air their concerns and receive updates on ongoing investigations.

For the victim’s family, however, the focus remains on justice and closure. Friends describe him as a promising young man whose life was cut short in a manner that has left many struggling to make sense of the loss. Candlelight processions and prayer gatherings have been held in parts of Ekpoma, with participants demanding that his death not be allowed to fade into the background of Nigeria’s crowded security headlines.