Abakaliki — Ebonyi State Police Command, Wednesday halted a violent protest carried out by youths in the state against what they described as "exploitation" by the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company.

The operation, which was led by the Commissioner of Police, Peace Ibekwe Abdallah, dispersed the protesters immediately they sighted the arrival of the police.

Before the arrival of the CP and her team, the protest had turned violent as the youths destroyed the billboard of the company and also manhandled one of the EDDC staff, who came out to address the youths.

The aggrieved youths besieged the EEDC office on Awolowo Street in the state capital to protest against non-provision of prepaid meters, over-estimated billing, blackout.

The protest started around 12pm with the youths chatting songs and displayed placards against the operation of the company in the state.

Meanwhile, the command said it has arrested some youths in connection with the protest.