The Edo State Government has initiated steps to secure the release of bona fide students of Ambrose Alli University (AAU) who were remanded at the Ubiaja Correctional Centre following a protest against recurring kidnappings in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area.
The students were among 52 individuals arrested and subsequently remanded in connection with the unrest, which caused widespread concern among residents and sparked debates on social media about student involvement.
Governor Monday Okpebholo dispatched the Commissioner for Education, Dr Paddy Iyamu, to oversee the process and ensure that genuine AAU students regain their freedom. Dr Iyamu visited the correctional centre and engaged with authorities to verify the identities of the students and facilitate their release.
Speaking with journalists at the Ubiaja Correctional Centre, Dr Iyamu assured that bona fide students would be released once all required procedures were completed. He highlighted that misinformation about the incident had been circulating online and emphasised that the university was not in session at the time of the protest.
He explained that last week’s violent protest in Ekpoma was instigated by a group known as the Comrade Association, which he described as comprising former students who take advantage of any situation to create disorder.
“There is a lot of misinformation going around, especially on social media. I wonder how a protest will occur without the authorisation of the Student Union Government. The school is not in session and the students were not involved,” Dr Iyamu said.
He added, “We have a group tagged the Comrade Association that co-opts students to carry out the dastardly act. There was no letter written to the security about any protest. These are ex-students of the university looking for an opportunity to latch onto any problem and cause mayhem. They went to the House of the traditional ruler and took Indomie and other things. That character does not depict students. His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has said that any bona fide students should be released and walk home free.”
The President of the AAU Student Union Government, Osadebamwen Ehizojie, commended the Governor for his swift action and assured the public that current students had no role in initiating the protest. He emphasised that the demonstration had been hijacked by hoodlums seeking to create chaos, and that genuine students were unfairly caught up in the situation.
The state government’s intervention has been welcomed by parents, university authorities, and members of the community, who have called for calm and urged residents to allow the legal process to determine the culpability of those responsible.
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