Students of Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, who were earlier arrested and remanded at the Ubiaja Correctional Centre following a recent protest, have been released along with other detainees.
Their release was announced on Thursday in a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, Patrick Ebojele.
The students were among 52 individuals remanded by a Benin High Court on charges related to malicious damage and armed robbery. They had been arrested after a peaceful protest against insecurity in Ekpoma last Saturday was reportedly hijacked by hoodlums, leading to violence.
According to reports, the protest was taken over by miscreants who attacked traders, set tyres on fire, and blocked major roads—incidents that were widely circulated on social media.
Governor Okpebholo met with the freed students and other affected persons during a stakeholders’ meeting held at the Banquet Hall of Government House, Benin. At the meeting, he reiterated his administration’s commitment to dialogue, reforms, and the revitalisation of Ambrose Alli University.
The governor expressed deep concern over the violence, noting that it contradicted his determination to revive the institution. He revealed that prior to his administration, the university operated on a monthly subvention of ₦41 million, which covered utilities, salaries, and other expenses, while a single consultant reportedly received ₦59 million monthly under the previous government.
To address the situation, Okpebholo said his administration increased the university’s subvention to ₦500 million as part of efforts to reposition the school.
He also disclosed that outstanding salary and wage arrears owed to AAU staff amounted to about ₦41 billion, adding that plans were in place to gradually settle the debt.
The governor warned students against being manipulated by criminal elements and urged them to concentrate on their studies and embrace peaceful dialogue.
Acknowledging the security challenges in Ekpoma and across the country, Okpebholo described insecurity as a shared national concern but noted that investigations showed many crimes in the area were perpetrated by locals.
He condemned the destruction of property and looting during the protest, describing such acts as harmful and counterproductive. He assured residents and students that Edo State would not provide a safe haven for criminals.
The Commissioner for Education, Dr Paddy Iyamu, commended the governor for securing the students’ release and prioritising dialogue over force. Other speakers at the meeting also praised the governor’s intervention and dedication to education and peace.
The meeting was attended by several top government officials, including the Deputy Governor, Dennis Idahosa; the Chief of Staff, Gani Audu; the Minister of Youth; the Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Youth Engagement; and other dignitaries.