The Edo State Government has accused a Nigerian living in Russia of masterminding the recent unrest in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area, following protests over rising cases of kidnapping in the town and its neighbouring communities.
Residents and students of Ambrose Alli University (AAU) had, last Saturday, taken to the streets to protest the worsening insecurity in Ekpoma. The protest later drew the intervention of security agencies, leading to the arrest and detention of several protesters — a development that sparked public outrage.
However, Governor Monday Okpebholo, in a statement issued on Tuesday, said the incident was not a peaceful protest but a coordinated and sponsored riot aimed at destabilising the state.
“The incident was not a protest, but a well-organised riot sponsored by a Nigerian resident in Russia, and other locations overseas,” the governor said.
According to the statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Patrick Ebojele, security agencies have already identified those behind the unrest. He said the sponsors allegedly contacted individuals in Ekpoma and offered to fund coordinated riots in Ekpoma, Auchi, Irrua and even the Government House in Benin City.
The government said arrests were made based on “clear evidence, including a video showing acts of violence and destruction.”
“The suspects arrested are rioters, not peaceful protesters,” Okpebholo stated, adding that the incident had no connection with students of Ambrose Alli University or the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS).
The government also dismissed a viral video circulating online and tagged as a kidnapping incident in Ekpoma, describing it as misleading and part of a deliberate attempt to spread fear and discredit the administration.
“There are strong indications that opposition elements, possibly with foreign backing, are sponsoring the unrest in a bid to discredit the Edo State Government and create chaos,” the statement added.
Governor Okpebholo reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting lives and property, noting that the government is working closely with security agencies to maintain law and order across the state.
While acknowledging that peaceful protest is a constitutional right, the government warned that violence, vandalism and looting would not be tolerated under any circumstances.
Residents of Ekpoma were assured that the situation is now under control, as peace and normalcy continue to return to the town. The public was also urged to ignore fake videos and unverified reports and to go about their lawful activities.
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