The Edo State Government has issued a decisive statement regarding the violent disturbance that marred last Saturday’s anti-kidnapping protest in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area, firmly identifying the masterminds of the Ekpoma protest. Governor Monday Okpebholo accused a distinct group, known as the Ambrose Alli Comrade Community, of orchestrating and driving the chaos, asserting that the unrest was not a genuine student protest. This revelation comes amidst heightened concerns over security and public order within the university town, with the government vowing to restore peace and hold culprits accountable.

Governor Okpebholo made these significant claims on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, during a crucial meeting with the leadership of the Students’ Union Government (SUG) of Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma. He emphasized that intelligence gathered by the state clearly indicated that the disturbance was not organized or instigated by students of the university. This perspective offers a stark contrast to initial public perceptions, shifting the narrative away from student activism towards external manipulation.

What is the Ambrose Alli Comrade Community? The Ambrose Alli Comrade Community is a group accused by the Edo State Government of orchestrating the violent Ekpoma protest. The government asserts that members of this community are not genuine students but individuals who exploit the university environment for illegal activities and to incite chaos. This distinction is crucial for understanding the government’s narrative.

The governor further elaborated that individuals fingered in the incident are not matriculated students but rather elements who reside around the university environment, engaging in various illicit activities. He explained that these non-students often capitalize on the vibrant and sometimes volatile university community to cause trouble, extort money from students, and create a general sense of insecurity. This sheds light on the complex dynamics of town-and-gown relationships in university settings.

Discussions with the SUG leadership primarily focused on addressing the violence that occurred, the subsequent arrests made by security agencies, and the overarching concerns about safety in Ekpoma. The governor reiterated his insistence that the incident was fundamentally not a student protest but an act carried out by external, non-student actors who opportunistically used the situation as a cover to loot properties and instigate widespread chaos. The difference between Ambrose Alli University protest vs Ekpoma unrest is a key point of contention.

Governor Okpebholo offered assurances to the student leaders that any genuine students who might have been arrested during the efforts to restore calm would be meticulously identified and released without any undue delay. He stressed that the state government harbored no intention of punishing innocent students and committed to working directly with the SUG to swiftly resolve such cases, ensuring fairness and justice for all. The Edo state government response to Ekpoma protest aims to be fair.

Furthermore, the governor outright rejected claims that the disturbance was genuinely linked to anti-kidnapping sentiments, stating that the story was fabricated specifically to mislead the public and stir unnecessary tension. He alleged that the kidnapping claims were orchestrated as a pretext, and tragically, the situation later escalated, leading to the loss of a life, which he described as deeply troubling and regrettable. This highlights the dangers of misinformation in triggering public disorder.

While Ambrose Alli University remains closed for the time being, the governor firmly stated that his administration held no grudge against the student body. He confirmed that no student was arrested inside the university campus itself, reinforcing the government’s commitment to protecting students and restoring lasting peace in Ekpoma. He vowed that criminal elements operating around the institution would be dealt with decisively, according to the full extent of the law.

Why did Ekpoma protest turn violent? The government attributes the violence to the calculated actions of the Ambrose Alli Comrade Community, rather than spontaneous student anger. This narrative suggests a deliberate effort to hijack a peaceful demonstration for ulterior motives. The distinction between student involvement vs external masterminds Ekpoma is critical for public understanding and future policy.

Speaking after the pivotal meeting, SUG President Osadebamen Ehizogie Michael expressed that it was unfair to link the unrest directly to the students of the university. He maintained that students did not organize any protest and confirmed the governor’s assurance that any student wrongly arrested would indeed be released. Similarly, the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration), Prof Andrew Eromonsele, confirmed that no arrests were made within the university campus, further distancing the institution from the violence that erupted in the town. For future safety, the Ambrose Alli University safety guide 2026 will be crucial in preventing such incidents.

This incident underscores the ongoing challenges of maintaining public order and ensuring the safety of students in university communities. The Edo State Government’s firm stance against external agitators and its commitment to dialogue with student leaders represent a significant step towards addressing the root causes of such disturbances and preventing future recurrences, ensuring a more secure environment for learning and living. The Ekpoma protest masterminds will face legal consequences for their actions, as the government continues its efforts to restore lasting peace and stability.

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