The Executive Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has declared that the recent unrest in Ekpoma was not a protest by students of Ambrose Alli University (AAU), but a criminal act carried out by non-students hiding around the institution to foment trouble and extort law-abiding students.
The Governor made this known on Tuesday during a meeting with the President of the Students’ Union Government (SUG) of Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, where issues surrounding the disturbance, arrests and security concerns were discussed.
According to Governor Okpebholo, intelligence reports available to the Edo State Government revealed that the unrest was orchestrated by a group identifying itself as the “Ambrose Alli Comrade Community,” made up of individuals who are no longer students but loiter around the university environment for unlawful activities.
He stated that genuine students were not behind the incident and assured that any students who may have been arrested during the security operation would be identified and released without delay.
“For students who were probably arrested, we will look into it and get them released to the SUG President. That is a promise I made, and I will do it as quickly as possible. The protest was not theirs. In fact, it was not a protest at all; it was an avenue to loot,” the Governor said.
Governor Okpebholo also dismissed claims of kidnapping linked to the unrest, describing them as false and stage-managed to mislead the public and stir tension. He further condemned the burning of markets and destruction of property in Ekpoma, warning that anyone found sponsoring or using hoodlums to destabilise Edo communities would be brought to justice, regardless of political affiliation.
He emphasized that the Edo State Government has nothing against AAU students, noting that the university remains closed and that no arrests were made within the campus.
Speaking on behalf of the students, the SUG President of Ambrose Alli University, Comrade Osadebamen Ehizogie Michael, said it was unfortunate that efforts were being made to link the unrest to the student community. He reaffirmed that AAU students did not organise any protest and confirmed that the Governor had assured the SUG that any students among those arrested would be released.
Also speaking, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) of Ambrose Alli University, Professor Andrew Eromonsele, confirmed that no arrests were made within the university campus, further distancing the institution from the unrest.
The meeting was attended by the Commissioner for Education, Dr. Paddy Iyamu.
The Edo State Government reiterated its commitment to protecting students, restoring peace in Ekpoma, and ensuring that criminal elements exploiting the university environment are dealt with in accordance with the law.
