In the footage circulating on social media, the officer, whose identity has yet to be officially confirmed, is heard saying, “Don’t worry, I will leave Ekpoma, and they will bring a Hausa officer who won’t listen to anybody.”
A Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Ekpoma, Edo State, has been captured in a viral video warning protesters that a “Hausa police officer” who would not tolerate dissent would replace him after his departure from the division.
In the footage circulating on social media, the officer, whose identity has yet to be officially confirmed, is heard saying, “Don’t worry, I will leave Ekpoma, and they will bring a Hausa officer who won’t listen to anybody.”
https://x.com/i/status/
The protest was reportedly triggered by the killing of a young medical graduate, who was murdered by kidnappers after a ransom had been paid.
However, the comment has triggered widespread reactions online, with many Nigerians expressing concern over what they described as an inappropriate, condescending, and ethnically charged remark by a senior police officer.
While some social media users called for restraint and urged authorities to consider the broader context of the video, others strongly condemned the statement, accusing the officer of ethnic profiling and conduct unbecoming of an officer of the Nigerian Police Force.
For instance, Mr Gerald (@Mr_Gerrie01), wrote on X, “A very insensitive police officer.”
https://x.com/Mr_Gerrie01/
Everything Politics (@Everypolitics1) said, “This statement is troubling because it unfairly stereotypes and dehumanises Hausa people, implying they are incapable of empathy or dialogue.
“Ethnicity should never be used as a threat or a tool of intimidation.”
https://x.com/Everypolitics1/
Ekong De Superstar (@EkongGodson) wrote, “Imagine what a supposed DPO is spewing, protecting the life of the people which you swore to, has now turned to ethnic tirade.”
“What does this even mean? Very irresponsible statement,” Mister Balo (@MubarakBalogun) wrote.
https://x.com/MubarakBalogun/
Iamowolabi (@Iamowolabi01) wrote: ”Oga do your job to protect people, no deh threaten them.”
“No one should have to live in fear of kidnapping every day, especially students just trying to get an education,” Hephzibah Behulah (@HephzibaBehulah) said.
“That recent case where the young medical graduate was killed even after ransom was paid is tragic and shows how bad things have gotten.
“The DPO sounds frustrated in the video, and I get that dealing with protests can be tough, but bringing ethnicity into it like that isn't helpful at all. It just divides people more when we all need unity to fight this insecurity.”
“The protesters are right to demand better security. The police and government really need to step up with more patrols, better intelligence, and actual results so people can feel safe again. Threatening to replace one officer with another who "won't listen" doesn't solve the root problem,” Behulah added.
Let's hope the authorities listen seriously this time and bring real change before more lives are lost. Ekpoma deserves peace.”