A recent protest in Ekpoma, Edo State, led by students of Ambrose Alli University (AAU) and residents, erupted over the escalating issues of kidnappings and general insecurity in the community. The demonstration, which began on Saturday, January 10, quickly drew significant attention and reactions from various stakeholders.

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, strongly condemned the arrest and detention of 52 individuals, largely identified as AAU students, who participated in the protest. She called for their immediate and unconditional release, stressing that peaceful protest is a constitutional right and youths should not be criminalized for expressing concerns about their welfare and future.

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan urged the Edo State government to prioritize addressing insecurity, including kidnappings, rather than suppressing dissenting voices, advocating for dialogue over detention as the pathway to progress.

Following the protest, the Edo State High Court, Criminal Court 2, ordered the remand of the 52 arrested youths at the Ubiaja Correctional Centre until February 26. Reports indicated that many of those arrested claimed they were picked up from their residences by security agencies at night or early Sunday morning, some while sleeping in their hostels, and were subsequently driven to court in a Black Maria van.

The Edo State Police Command acknowledged the protest but stated it was regrettably hijacked by hoodlums, leading to incidents of malicious damages, looting, vandalization of shops, and even a military personnel discharging firearms. Police deployed heavy security personnel in Ekpoma, overseen by Commissioner of Police Monday Agbonika, in a joint effort with the Nigerian Army, NSCDC, Edo State Security Corps, and local hunters to maintain public safety and tackle criminal activities.

The police clarified that those arrested were suspected of violent acts, including vandalism, assault, rioting, looting, and cruelty to animals, and were not peaceful protesters. They specifically mentioned that suspects allegedly forcibly entered the palace of the Enogie of Ekpoma, Anthony Ehizogie Abumere, assaulting the traditional ruler and his wife, and damaging property.

Conversely, the Edo State Government, through Dr. Patrick Ebojele, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo, asserted that the Ekpoma incident was a well-organized riot, not a peaceful protest.

The government alleged that it was sponsored by Nigerian residents overseas, particularly in Russia, as part of a coordinated attempt to misinform the public and destabilize the state. The government dismissed claims that the arrested individuals were AAU students, stating that the university was closed, and students had vacated hostels long before the incident.

It insisted that arrests were based on clear video evidence showing acts of violence, arson, and destruction, categorizing the suspects as rioters. The government also suggested that opposition elements, possibly with foreign backing, were sponsoring the unrest to discredit the administration, while reaffirming its commitment to protecting lives and property and maintaining law and order.