Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has clarified that the recent violent protest in Ekpoma was not organized by students of Ambrose Alli University (AAU). According to a statement by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Dr. Patrick Ebojele, the incident was a criminal act perpetrated by non-students who hide around the institution to cause trouble and extort law-abiding students.
During a meeting with the President of the Students’ Union Government (SUG) of AAU, the Governor described the incident as an orchestrated attack by a group calling themselves the “Ambrose Alli Comrade Community.” These individuals, who are no longer students, allegedly use the university as a hideout to commit crimes and extort students. The Governor assured the SUG leadership that any genuine students arrested during the restoration of order would be identified and released promptly.
The Edo State Government has dismissed claims of kidnapping linked to the incident, describing them as false and stage-managed to create ethnic tension. The Governor condemned the destruction of property and burning of markets in Ekpoma, warning that those found sponsoring or using hoodlums to destabilize communities would be brought to justice.
The Students’ Union Government President, Comrade Osadebamen Michael, also denied any involvement of AAU students in the unrest, stating that it was unfortunate that some individuals were trying to link the incident to the student community. The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) of AAU, Prof. Andrew Eromonsele, confirmed that no arrests were made within the university campus, further distancing the institution from the unrest.
The meeting, attended by the Commissioner for Education, Dr. Paddy Iyamu, aimed to address the disturbance, arrests, and security concerns surrounding the incident. The Edo State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining law and order, while also ensuring that the rights of genuine students are protected. The institution remains closed, and the government has promised to take swift action against those responsible for the violence and destruction of property.
