Tension gripped parts of Benin City on Monday as women from the Okhorumi community in Oredo Local Government Area took to the streets in protest, demanding the release of their detained husbands.
According to Daily Post, the demonstration, peaceful yet emotional, was sparked by the arrest of six men three weeks ago by security operatives over allegations of illegal arms possession and the discovery of a suspected human skull.
Clad in wrappers, with children strapped to their backs and placards in hand, the women said their lives have been turned upside down since the arrests. Some of the placards bore inscriptions such as “Free Our Husbands” and “We Want Justice.” The women argued that the arrests were indiscriminate and lacked transparency.
According to Mrs. Abieyuwa Otasowie, who spoke on behalf of the protesting women, the arms allegedly recovered were found in an open field commonly used by youths for sporting activities. “That field is not restricted to our community alone. Youths from neighbouring areas come there to play football,” she explained.
The women further appealed to the Oba of Benin, whom they described as a father figure, to intervene in securing the release of their loved ones. They also called on Governor Monday Okpebholo to help ensure that justice prevails.
“We are not here to fight. We came to beg. Our husbands are innocent. Since they were taken away, our children have not been going to school. We just want them back,” Otasowie pleaded tearfully, capturing the desperation and hope behind the protest.
