Edo: Okpebholo reveals elements behind AAU students’ violent insecurity protest at Ekpoma

Edo State governor, Senator Monday Okpebolo has revealed some elements behind the protest by some students of Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, saying they were a group known as the Ambrose Alli Comrade Community, accusing them of violent disturbance in last Saturday’s anti-kidnapping protest.

The governor stated this at a meeting with Students Union Government leadership of Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma on Tuesday in Benin.

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He said information available to the state showed that the unrest was not organised by students of the university, but those who stayed around the school environment and engage in unauthorized activities.

According to him, the people took advantage of the situation to foment trouble, while they extorted money from people including students.

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Okpebholo told the SUG leadership that he will ensure safety of citizens in Ekpoma, while any student arrested by security agents in attempt to restore peace would be released immediately.

The governor said his administration has no intention of punishing anyone innocently and will cooperate the SUG to resolve the crisis immediately, while he rejected the notion that the protest was anti-kidnapping protest, insisting the report linking anti-kidnapping was misleading.

He alleged that the kidnapping claims were arranged and that the situation later led to the loss of a life, which he described as deeply troubling.

While stating that Ambrose Alli University remains closed for now, the governor stressed that his administration holds no grudge against the students.

He added that no student was arrested inside the university campus and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting students and restoring peace in Ekpoma.

He said criminal elements operating around the institution would be dealt with according to the law.

Speaking after the meeting, the SUG President, Osadebamen Ehizogie Michael, said it was unfair to link the unrest to students of the university.

He maintained that students did not organise any protest and confirmed that the governor had assured the union that any student wrongly arrested would be released.

Also reacting, the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration), Prof Andrew Eromonsele, said no arrests were made within the university campus and distanced the institution from the violence that occurred in the town.

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