Edo State Government Says Ekpoma Unrest Was Coordinated Riot, Not Student Protest
The Edo State Government on Tuesday rejected claims that the recent unrest in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area, was a protest.
In a statement signed by Patrick Ebojele, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo, the government described the incident as a “coordinated riot” aimed at destabilising the state. It added that the violence was “well-organised” and allegedly sponsored by a Nigerian resident in Russia and other locations abroad.
According to the statement, security agencies have identified the suspected masterminds, who reportedly contacted individuals in Ekpoma and coordinated riots across Ekpoma, Auchi, Irrua, and even the Government House in Benin City, with funding traced to sources in the diaspora.
The government also dismissed claims that those arrested in connection with the unrest were students of Ambrose Alli University (AAU) or that arrests were made inside student hostels. It clarified that the university is currently closed and students had vacated the hostels before 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 university 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 based on clear evidence, including video footage linking the individuals to the violence. The government emphasised that the incident had no connection with AAU students or the National Association of Nigerian Students.
The unrest follows the January 9 kidnapping and killing of a young man in Ekpoma, which had sparked fear and outrage among residents, particularly AAU students.
