Dare Babalola
The Edo State Government Tuesday, dismissed media reports surrounding the recent incidents in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area, describing them as part of a coordinated attempt to misinform the public and destabilise the state.
In a statement signed by Patrick Ebojele, the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo, the government said the violence was a “well-organised riot sponsored by a Nigerian resident in Russia and other locations overseas.”
Security agencies, according to the state, have already identified the suspected masterminds, who were said to have contacted several individuals in Ekpoma, and coordinated the riots across Ekpoma, Auchi, Irrua, and even the Government House, Benin City, with funding from the diaspora.
The government rejected claims that those arrested in connection with the violence were students of Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, or that arrests were made within student hostels.
It clarified that the university is currently closed and that students had vacated hostels long before the incident.
The statement, “The government firmly refuted claims that those arrested and facing prosecution in connection with the violence were students of Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, or that their arrests were made inside student hostels.”
Those arrested, the statement said, were intercepted while allegedly heading to vandalise property on the campus, while others were identified from viral videos showing acts of arson and destruction.
The state government said most of the arrests were made based on clear evidence, including video recordings linking suspects to the violence.
“The suspects arrested are rioters, not peaceful protesters,” the statement said.
It added that the incident had no connection with Ambrose Alli University students or the National Association of Nigerian Students.
On January 9, a young man was kidnapped and killed in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area of the state.
The incident had sparked fear and outrage among residents, particularly students of Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma.
