The Edo State Government has initiated steps to ensure the release of bona fide students from Ambrose Alli University (AAU), who were remanded at the Ubiaja Correctional Centre following a protest against rising kidnappings in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area.
The students were among 52 individuals arrested and detained in connection with the unrest that occurred during a protest last week. The protest was sparked by concerns over frequent kidnappings and the recent killing of a local youth.
Governor Monday Okpebholo has tasked the Commissioner for Education, Dr. Paddy Iyamu, with overseeing the release process and ensuring that only genuine AAU students are freed.
Speaking to journalists at the Ubiaja Correctional Centre, Dr. Iyamu assured the public that once all necessary procedures were followed, the legitimate students would be released without delay.
Dr. Iyamu said, “The violent protest in Ekpoma last week was instigated by a group known as the Comrade Association, which is largely composed of former students. This group often seizes any opportunity to cause unrest.”
He continued, “There is a lot of misinformation, especially on social media. A protest cannot occur without the proper authorisation from the Student Union Government. The school is not in session, and the students were not involved. The Comrade Association co-opts former students to instigate such acts. There was no official communication with the security about any protest.”
The Commissioner clarified that the protesters had vandalised the House of the traditional ruler and taken food supplies, including Indomie noodles, in what he described as an uncharacteristic act not reflective of the student body’s values.
He said Governor Okpebholo has made it clear that any legitimate AAU student should be released and allowed to return home, free from detention.
On his part, Comrade Asefon Sunday, Senior Special Assistant to the President On Students Engagement, said the students will be released soon.
He said: “We are pleased to report that 38 students of Ambrose Alli University (AAU) who were arrested in connection with the recent protest in Ekpoma will be released shortly.
“This positive development is a result of the timely and constructive interventions of the Executive Governor of Edo State, His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo; Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa; the workerholic Commissioner for Education in Edo State, SUG President Ambrose Ali and the unwavering efforts of the comrade community.
“We appreciate the commitment of all stakeholders to dialogue, due process, and the welfare of students, and we commend their roles in ensuring a peaceful resolution of the matter.”
Osadebamwen Ehizojie, President of the AAU Student Union Government (SUG), commended the Governor’s intervention, saying, “We are grateful to His Excellency for ensuring that our fellow students are released. It is important to note that the protest was hijacked by hoodlums and was not initiated by AAU students.”