Ekpoma erupts over kidnapping as AAU shuts campus

By Jethro Ibileke

Ekpoma, the headquarters of Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State, witnessed a massive protest on Saturday after a young man was reportedly killed by suspected kidnappers.

Angry residents and students poured onto the streets, blocking major roads, including the Benin–Auchi highway, causing severe traffic congestion. The demonstrators also pulled down 2027 campaign billboards of President Bola Tinubu, expressing frustration over what they described as unchecked kidnapping and the apparent failure of security agencies to stem the tide.

Security operatives were deployed to monitor the protest and prevent violence. Although tensions were high, the demonstration remained largely peaceful, with protesters demanding urgent government action rather than confrontation.

The crowd appealed to Governor Monday Okpebholo to immediately reinforce security in Ekpoma and improve intelligence gathering to dismantle kidnapping gangs operating in the area.

“We can no longer sleep with our eyes closed,” a protester told Uptown Press. “Students and residents are being taken almost at will, and nothing seems to be changing. The government must act now.”

Ekpoma, which hosts a large student population, has recorded a surge in kidnapping and violent attacks in recent weeks, leaving residents fearful and restricting movement, particularly at night. As at the time of filing this report, the police had yet to issue an official statement.

Meanwhile, the management of Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, has announced the closure of the institution and postponed students’ resumption and academic activities.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the university’s Head of Information, Public Relations and Protocol, Otunba Mike Ade Aladenika, said the decision was approved by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Eunice Eboiserehimen Omonzejie, on behalf of the Senate.

According to the statement, the closure would allow the university to complete ongoing renovation works on student facilities to improve the teaching and learning environment.

The management also directed students still occupying hostels to vacate immediately to enable the renovation works to continue effectively.

As a result, the 140th Inaugural Lecture scheduled for Thursday, 15 January 2026, as well as ongoing examinations, have been postponed. New dates will be communicated later.

Parents and guardians were urged to ensure their wards comply with the revised resumption schedule.

However, there are speculations within the university community that the shutdown may also be a precautionary move to prevent students from joining the ongoing protests over the worsening kidnapping situation in Ekpoma.