Edo Gov Reveals Those He Claims are Sponsoring Ekpoma Protest

The Edo State Government on Tuesday claimed that the recent unrest in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area, was sponsored by Nigerians living abroad.

The government described the incident as a coordinated attempt to destabilise the state.

In a statement signed by Patrick Ebojele, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo, the government said security agencies had identified the suspected masterminds, who allegedly contacted individuals in Ekpoma and coordinated riots across Ekpoma, Auchi, Irrua, and the Government House in Benin City, with funding traced to diaspora sources.

The government dismissed claims that those arrested were students of Ambrose Alli University, noting that the university was closed and students had vacated hostels before the incident.

“The government firmly refuted claims that those arrested were AAU students or that the arrests occurred inside student hostels,” the statement added.

Authorities said the suspects were intercepted while allegedly heading to vandalise campus property or were identified from viral videos showing acts of arson and destruction.

Most arrests were based on clear evidence, including video recordings linking individuals to the violence.

“The suspects arrested are rioters, not peaceful protesters,” the government emphasised, stressing that the incident had no connection with Ambrose Alli University students or the National Association of Nigerian Students.

The unrest followed a kidnapping and murder of a young man on January 9 in Ekpoma, which sparked fear and outrage among residents, particularly students of AAU.

Politics Nigeria recalls that the crisis commenced last Saturday in Ekpoma when residents staged a protest over rising insecurity, including kidnappings and the killing of a youth on Friday night.

The protesters blocked a major highway to express their grievances.

The protester attacked market and vandalised the palace of the Onojie of Ekpoma, Zaiki Anthony Abumere II, an act condemned by Edo Governor.