Youths Run Helter Skelter As EFCC Operatives Storm Ekpoma In Buses On Valentine’s Night
On the night of Valentine’ s Day, an atmosphere of chaos and fear gripped the town of Ekpoma in Edo State when individuals suspected to be operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) conducted a sudden and unexpected raid. The late- night operation prompted panic among the youths, who fled in all directions, abandoning their vehicles on the streets as they sought safety.
Eyewitnesses reported that the raid occurred under the cover of darkness, leaving many people in shock. The arrival of multiple buses, allegedly belonging to the EFCC, sparked a wave of fear as the occupants disembarked and began their operation. The suddenness of the event, coupled with the distinctive appearance of the vehicles, created widespread confusion. The streets, which had been lively due to Valentine’ s Night celebrations, quickly turned into a scene of pandemonium as young people, who were previously enjoying the festive atmosphere, scrambled to escape.
Social media platforms were soon flooded with videos and posts documenting the incident. In several of these viral videos, young men and women were seen running frantically, leaving behind their cars and personal belongings in their haste to evade the operatives. The footage also captured the unmistakable sound of gunshots, further intensifying the fear and confusion. The presence of gunfire caused even more people to flee, as the situation became increasingly tense.
Witnesses claimed that some operatives targeted individuals at a local clubhouse, seizing mobile phones from several women and apprehending young men suspected of fraudulent activities. The sight of these arrests, combined with the confiscation of personal items, added to the growing sense of dread throughout the town. Many residents questioned the legality and appropriateness of the operatives’ methods, particularly the use of force and the disruption of a community event on a night meant for social gatherings and celebration.
Public reaction to the raid was overwhelmingly negative, with social media users expressing anger and disbelief at the timing and execution of the operation. Critics likened the incident to an armed robbery, noting the intimidating tactics employed by the operatives. Some questioned why a law enforcement agency tasked with fighting financial crimes would resort to such aggressive and unorthodox measures. The fact that the raid occurred at night raised additional concerns, as the EFCC had previously declared an end to nocturnal sting operations.
This concern was rooted in a directive issued in 2023 by the EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, who had publicly instructed all EFCC commands to discontinue late- night raids. The directive was intended to address past incidents where nighttime operations had led to allegations of misconduct and human rights violations. The events in Ekpoma, however, seemed to contradict this directive, leaving many to wonder whether rogue elements within the commission were acting independently or if the raid was officially sanctioned.
The Valentine’ s Night raid has reignited debates about the methods and accountability of anti- corruption agencies in Nigeria. Many citizens have called for a thorough investigation into the incident, demanding clarity regarding the identities of the operatives involved and the rationale behind the timing of the operation. Community leaders have also voiced concerns about the psychological impact of such raids on the youth, emphasizing the need for law enforcement to adopt more transparent and humane approaches when carrying out their duties.
Beyond the immediate panic and confusion, the incident has also sparked broader conversations about the relationship between young people and law enforcement agencies. In recent years, Nigerian youths have frequently raised concerns about profiling and harassment by security forces. The Ekpoma raid has added to these grievances, with some individuals describing it as yet another instance of state actors using excessive force under the guise of fighting crime.
In the aftermath of the raid, residents are left to deal with the psychological aftermath of the terrifying experience. Business owners in the area reported losses as patrons fled without settling their bills, while car owners who abandoned their vehicles scrambled to recover them the next day. The town, known for its vibrant nightlife and bustling student population, has been left shaken by the events of that fateful night.
As investigations continue, many hope that the authorities will provide clarity and reassurance to the community. The demand for justice and accountability remains strong, as citizens seek to ensure that such a traumatic event is not repeated in the future. The Valentine’ s Night raid in Ekpoma stands as a stark reminder of the need for law enforcement agencies to balance the fight against crime with respect for citizens’ rights and the rule of law.
