Chaos Erupts at Prestigious Museum Exhibition
A private exhibition at the Museum of West African Art (MOWAA) in Benin was thrown into chaos on Sunday when a group of protesters forcefully entered the venue. The exhibition was being prepared for the museum's official commissioning scheduled for November 11, 2025 and was intended for investors, artists, and international guests.
Protesters Claim Cultural Heritage Protection
According to multiple videos circulating online, the intruders identified themselves as sons and daughters of the Benin Kingdom. They were heard chanting slogans opposing the museum's operations and stated their protest was aimed at protecting the cultural heritage of Benin. The protesters maintained that their actions were peaceful despite the disruption caused.
The Edo State Police Command swiftly responded to the situation, deploying officers to restore order and ensure the safety of all attendees. ASP Eno Ikoedem, Deputy Police Public Relations Officer, confirmed that police operatives were dispatched to the scene specifically to restore normalcy and safely evacuate the expatriates to their respective hotels.
Police Intervention and Intelligence Reports
In an official statement, ASP Ikoedem emphasized that "the intervention was not a forceful eviction" but rather a protective measure. She revealed that the police had received prior intelligence regarding the planned protest, which prompted strategic security deployment to prevent any breakdown of law and order.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Monday Agbonika, personally addressed the protesters, helping to de-escalate the tense situation. His direct involvement contributed significantly to calming the protesters and ensuring the situation didn't escalate further.
Efforts to obtain comments from MOWAA representatives proved unsuccessful as calls to the museum's officials were not answered at press time. The police have assured the public that normalcy has been completely restored and all guests were safely evacuated without any incidents or injuries reported.
Separate Police Success in Kidnapping Rescue Operation
In a related development demonstrating the police command's ongoing security efforts, operatives of the Edo State Police Command have successfully rescued seven kidnapped victims in Ewohimi, Esan South-East Local Government Area of the state.
The Command's deputy Police Public Relations Officer, Emem Ikoedem, disclosed this achievement on Saturday in a statement made available to newsmen in Benin. According to the statement, the victims were abducted in the Ikeken Forest where they had gone to farm, by armed men suspected to be kidnappers.
The incident occurred on Saturday, 1st November 2025, when one Enoch Omozokpia of Ikeken Ewohimi reported that his father, William Omozokpia (65 years), who went to his farm in the Ikeken Forest, was abducted by armed men alongside six others.
The Commissioner of Police, Edo State Command, CP Monday Agbonika, commended the gallantry and professionalism displayed by the Police operatives, soldiers, and vigilantes who participated in the successful rescue operation. Ikoedem reaffirmed the Command's unwavering commitment to the safety of all residents and assured that efforts are ongoing to track down the fleeing suspects and bring them to justice.
