By Ola ‘Kiya, Reporting
THE Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has reiterated that recent disturbances in Ekpoma, the administrative headquarters of Esan West Local Government Area, were not orchestrated by students of Ambrose Alli University (AAU).
He described the incident as a criminal act carried out by non-students using the university’s vicinity to foment trouble and extort lawful scholars.
This position was outlined in a press statement from Dr. Patrick Akhere Ebojele, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, circulated to journalists in Benin City, the state capital.
Dr. Ebojele revealed that Governor Okpebholo made these remarks on Tuesday during a meeting with the President of the Ambrose Alli University Students’ Union Government (SUG).
The discussion focused extensively on the recent disturbance, subsequent arrests, and broader security concerns.
According to the Governor, state intelligence indicates the incident was orchestrated by a group calling itself the “Ambrose Alli Comrade Community,” comprising individuals who are no longer students but loiter around the campus engaging in unlawful activities.
“I have met with the SUG President of AAU Ekpoma. We had a very lengthy discussion, and as I have consistently said, this was not a students’ 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 stated.
Governor Okpebholo further assured the SUG leadership that any genuine students mistakenly arrested during the restoration of order would be identified and promptly released.
“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,” he added.
The Governor also dismissed claims of kidnappings linked to the event, labelling them as false and staged to mislead the public and stir ethnic tension.
“The kidnapping they are talking about is fake. It was stage-managed. They were arranging to kidnap and release themselves. They even went as far as killing someone, which is the most painful part,” he said.
Governor Okpebholo condemned the arson of markets and destruction of property in Ekpoma, warning that anyone found sponsoring or using hoodlums to destabilise Edo communities would face justice, irrespective of political affiliation.
“I don’t care whether you are a politician or not. If you are using people to destroy our land and economy, we will go after you.
“We know ourselves, and we will bring those responsible to book to ensure justice for our people,” he emphasised.
He stressed that the Edo State Government holds no grievance against AAU students, noting the institution remains closed and confirming no arrests were made on the university campus.
Echoing this stance, the AAU SUG President, Comrade Osadebamen Ehizogie Michael, said it was unfortunate that attempts were being made to associate the unrest with the student body.
“It is pitiable that some people want to associate what happened with students. We are here to formally debunk that students did not organise any protest. His Excellency, Governor Monday Okpebholo, has been in touch with us and has assured us that any students among those arrested will be released,” the SUG President stated.
The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) of Ambrose Alli University, Prof. Andrew Eromonsele, also confirmed that no arrests occurred within the university campus, further distancing the institution from the unrest.
The meeting was also 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 criminal elements exploiting the university environment are dealt with decisively and in accordance with the law.
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