The Edo State Government has accused a group known as the Ambrose Alli Comrade Community of planning and driving the violent disturbance that followed last Saturday’s anti-kidnapping protest in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area.
Naijaonpoint reports that Governor Monday Okpebholo made this known on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, during a meeting with leaders of the Students’ Union Government of Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma.
He said information available to the state showed that the unrest was not organised by students of the university.
According to the governor, members of the group fingered in the incident are not students but individuals who stay around the school environment and engage in illegal activities.
He said they take advantage of the university community to cause trouble and extort students.
He explained that discussions with the SUG leadership focused on the violence that occurred, the arrests made by security agencies, and concerns about safety in Ekpoma.
The governor insisted that the incident was not a student protest but an act carried out by non-students who used the situation as a cover to loot and create chaos.
Governor Okpebholo assured the student leaders that any genuine students arrested during efforts to restore calm would be identified and released without delay.
He said the state government had no intention of punishing innocent students and would work directly with the SUG to resolve such cases.
He also rejected claims that the disturbance was linked to kidnapping, saying the story was fabricated to mislead the public and stir tension.
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.