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Education
Ekpoma Unrest: Okpebholo orders immediate release of arrested AAU students
Written By: Ehioze Gilbert
13 Jan 2026 05:11 PM
Ekpoma, Edo – In a significant development following the recent protests and violence in Ekpoma, Esan West local government area of Edo State, Governor Monday Okpebholo has directed the immediate release of students from Ambrose Alli University (AAU) who were detained during security operations in the area.
The announcement comes after a key meeting with student leaders, signaling an effort to de-escalate tensions in the university town.
The directive was issued on January 13, 2026, shortly after Governor Okpebholo convened with the Students' Union Government (SUG) President of AAU Ekpoma.
According to statements from the governor's office, the students were among 52 suspects arrested in connection with the unrest, which began as a peaceful demonstration against rising kidnappings and insecurity but reportedly devolved into vandalism, looting, and assaults.
Governor Okpebholo emphasized that the disturbances were not driven by genuine student protesters but orchestrated by a group known as the "Comrade Association," comprising former students allegedly intent on causing chaos.
"The protest in Ekpoma was orchestrated by a group identified as the Comrade Association... made up of former students who seize every opportunity to cause mayhem," he stated during the meeting.
To facilitate the release, the governor deployed the Edo State Commissioner for Education, Dr. Paddy Iyamu, to coordinate with authorities.
The students had been remanded at a correctional facility in Ubiaja following their arraignment, but sources confirm they are expected to be freed imminently as a result of this intervention.
A video circulating on social media, captures the celebratory atmosphere of the meeting. In the footage, student leaders and officials are seen cheering with chants of "Gboza, Gboza, Gboza," praising the governor's responsive actions.
This move follows the governor's earlier visit to the affected areas in Ekpoma, where he blamed "political elements" for the violence rather than Fulani herdsmen, as some claims suggested.
He had assured residents of swift reconstruction and enhanced security measures.
As operations continue to address kidnapping and other crimes, Governor Okpebholo's administration reiterated its zero-tolerance policy for violence while upholding the right to peaceful protest.
The release is expected to help calm the university community and prevent further disruptions.
The announcement comes after a key meeting with student leaders, signaling an effort to de-escalate tensions in the university town.
The directive was issued on January 13, 2026, shortly after Governor Okpebholo convened with the Students' Union Government (SUG) President of AAU Ekpoma.
According to statements from the governor's office, the students were among 52 suspects arrested in connection with the unrest, which began as a peaceful demonstration against rising kidnappings and insecurity but reportedly devolved into vandalism, looting, and assaults.
Governor Okpebholo emphasized that the disturbances were not driven by genuine student protesters but orchestrated by a group known as the "Comrade Association," comprising former students allegedly intent on causing chaos.
"The protest in Ekpoma was orchestrated by a group identified as the Comrade Association... made up of former students who seize every opportunity to cause mayhem," he stated during the meeting.
To facilitate the release, the governor deployed the Edo State Commissioner for Education, Dr. Paddy Iyamu, to coordinate with authorities.
The students had been remanded at a correctional facility in Ubiaja following their arraignment, but sources confirm they are expected to be freed imminently as a result of this intervention.
A video circulating on social media, captures the celebratory atmosphere of the meeting. In the footage, student leaders and officials are seen cheering with chants of "Gboza, Gboza, Gboza," praising the governor's responsive actions.
This move follows the governor's earlier visit to the affected areas in Ekpoma, where he blamed "political elements" for the violence rather than Fulani herdsmen, as some claims suggested.
He had assured residents of swift reconstruction and enhanced security measures.
As operations continue to address kidnapping and other crimes, Governor Okpebholo's administration reiterated its zero-tolerance policy for violence while upholding the right to peaceful protest.
The release is expected to help calm the university community and prevent further disruptions.
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