Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has firmly stated that the recent violent protest in Ekpoma was not organized by students of Ambrose Alli University (AAU). He has ordered the release of any genuine AAU students who may have been arrested during the incident.
In a statement released on Tuesday, Dr. Patrick Ebojele, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, conveyed Okpebholo’s stance. The Governor characterized the unrest as a criminal act perpetrated by individuals unaffiliated with the university, who were exploiting the situation to cause disruption and extort students.
During a meeting with the President of the Students’ Union Government (SUG) of Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Governor Okpebholo stated that intelligence reports indicate the incident was orchestrated by a group identifying as the “Ambrose Alli Comrade Community,” comprised of individuals no longer enrolled as students.
The Governor assured the SUG leadership that any legitimate students detained during the restoration of order would be promptly identified and released. He also refuted claims of kidnapping, dismissing them as fabricated attempts to mislead the public and incite ethnic tensions.
Okpebholo condemned the destruction of property and the burning of markets in Ekpoma, vowing to prosecute anyone found sponsoring or utilizing hoodlums to destabilize Edo communities, regardless of their political affiliation.
The Governor emphasized the Edo Government’s support for AAU students, clarifying that the university remains closed and that no arrests were made on campus.
Comrade Osadebamen Michael, President of the AAU SUG, corroborated the Governor’s statement, denouncing attempts to link the student community to the unrest. Prof. Andrew Eromonsele, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) of AAU, also confirmed that no arrests occurred within the university premises.
The meeting was also attended by the Commissioner for Education, Dr Paddy Iyamu.