The Edo State Government on Tuesday rejected claims circulating on social media that students of Ambrose Alli University (AAU) were responsible for the recent unrest in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area. The government described such reports as “false, misleading, and part of a coordinated effort to misinform the public and destabilize the state.”
In a statement issued by Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo, Patrick Akhere Ebojele, the government said the disturbance was not a protest but a planned riot orchestrated by a Nigerian resident in Russia and other foreign locations.
The statement added that security agencies have identified the individuals behind the unrest. These actors allegedly contacted multiple people in Ekpoma, encouraging coordinated riots in Ekpoma, Auchi, Irrua, and even targeting the Government House in Benin City, with funding reportedly coming from Nigerians in the diaspora.
The government firmly denied that those arrested were AAU students or that any arrests occurred in student hostels. It emphasized that the university was closed at the time, with students having vacated the hostels well before the incident. The individuals apprehended were intercepted while attempting to damage university property, and some were captured in videos committing arson.
“Most arrests were based on clear evidence, including videos of violence and destruction,” the statement read. “The suspects are rioters, not peaceful protesters. The incident is entirely unrelated to students or the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS).”
The government also dismissed another viral video falsely alleging a kidnapping in Ekpoma, calling it a “gross misrepresentation” and part of a deliberate effort to spread fear and damage the state administration’s reputation.
Foreign-Linked Opposition Elements Suspected
Edo State authorities warned that certain opposition elements, potentially with foreign backing, may be fueling unrest to undermine the government and sow chaos.
Reaffirming its commitment to protecting lives and property, the government urged residents to disregard fake videos and unverified reports, assuring that peace and normalcy are returning to Ekpoma.
“While peaceful and lawful protest is a constitutional right, violence, rioting, vandalism, and looting will not be tolerated under any circumstances,” the statement concluded.