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Governor Okpebholo intervenes to release innocent Ambrose Alli University students detained after violent Ekpoma protest
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Protest allegedly hijacked by non-students, identified as “Ambrose Alli Comrade Community” causing unrest and looting
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Governor assures accountability, condemns destruction of property, warns sponsors of unrest will face justice
Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has ordered the immediate release of students from Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, who were wrongly arrested in connection with a violent protest.
Speaking on Tuesday during a meeting with the AAU Students’ Union Government (SUG) President, Governor Okpebholo clarified that intelligence indicated the unrest was orchestrated by a group of non-students—self-styled “Ambrose Alli Comrade Community”—engaged in criminal activities around the campus.
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“I have met with the SUG President of AAU Ekpoma. This was not a student protest. These are people who are no longer students but are just hanging around the school, causing trouble and extorting students. We will put an end to that,” the governor said.
He assured that any genuine students mistakenly detained would be identified and released promptly. He also dismissed allegations of kidnapping linked to the protest as false and staged to mislead the public and stoke ethnic tension.
Governor Okpebholo condemned the burning of markets and destruction of property in Ekpoma, warning that anyone, regardless of political affiliation, found sponsoring or using hoodlums to destabilise communities would be held accountable.
The unrest erupted last Saturday when residents and youths, including AAU students, protested rising kidnappings in Ekpoma. The demonstration turned violent, resulting in injuries and the arrest of 52 protesters.
Governor Okpebholo emphasised that the state has no issues with AAU students, noting that the university remains closed and no arrests occurred within the campus.
