Women and children from Okhorumi community in Oredo Local Government Area of Edo State on Monday staged a protest at the Edo State House of Assembly, demanding the release of their husbands who have been in police custody for three weeks.

The protesters, some carrying children on their backs and holding placards with various inscriptions, claimed that the arrest of their six husbands has devastated their families and forced their children out of school.

Mrs. Abieyuwa Otasowie, who spoke on behalf of the protesters, maintained that their husbands are innocent of the charges against them. "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," she said.

According to Otasowie, the weapons allegedly found were discovered in a public field commonly used by youths from both Okhorumi and neighboring communities for football matches.

"They searched our houses, they searched the hotels, and they didn't find anything. The field where they say they found the guns is open to everybody, even those who fight us in the community come there to play," she explained.

The women appealed to the Oba of Benin to intervene in the matter. "We are begging the Oba. He is a father to us all. We are pleading because of our children, because of our future," Otasowie added.

The protesters also called on Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo to withdraw the charges against the suspects, who are currently being held at the Oko custodial center following a court order.

The Edo State Police Command had previously stated that the men were arrested for alleged possession of illegal arms, ammunition, and a suspected human skull.

As of the time of this report, neither the Edo State Government nor the police have responded to the women's protest.