The Edo State Government on Tuesday clarified that the recent unrest in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area, was not a protest but a coordinated riot aimed at destabilising the state.
In a statement signed by Patrick Ebojele, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo, the government said the violence was allegedly orchestrated by a Nigerian resident in Russia and other locations abroad.
Security agencies have reportedly identified the suspected masterminds, who allegedly contacted individuals in Ekpoma and coordinated riots across Ekpoma, Auchi, Irrua, and the Government House in Benin City, with funding traced to sources in the diaspora.
The government also rejected claims that those arrested were students of Ambrose Alli University (AAU) or that arrests were made inside student hostels, clarifying that the university is currently closed and students had vacated the hostels prior to the incident.
“The government firmly refuted claims that those arrested and facing prosecution in connection with the violence were students of Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, or that their arrests were made inside student hostels,” the statement read.
Authorities said the suspects were intercepted while allegedly heading to vandalise property on the campus, while others were identified from viral videos showing acts of arson and destruction.
“The suspects arrested are rioters, not peaceful protesters,” the statement added, noting that most arrests were supported by clear evidence, including video footage linking the individuals to the violence. The government emphasised that the incident had no links to AAU students or the National Association of Nigerian Students.
The unrest follows the January 9 kidnapping and killing of a young man in Ekpoma, an incident that sparked fear and outrage among residents, particularly students of AAU
