Ekpoma riot sponsored by Russia-based Nigerian – Edo govt

By Jethro Ibileke

The Edo State Government has alleged that last week’s violent protest in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area was a well organised riot sponsored by a Nigerian resident in Russia and other locations overseas.

The government in a statement on Tuesday by Patrick Akhere Ebojele, the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo, dismissed claims of a protest as false and misleading.

The statement noted that social media reports on the protest was a part of a coordinated attempt to misinform the public and destabilise the state.

The statement read in part: “Security…hav already identified the masterminds, who contacted several individuals in Ekpoma, proposing sponsoring the organisation of a coordinated riots across Ekpoma, Auchi, Irrua and even the Government House, Benin City, with funding from the diaspora.”

The government also refuted claims that those arrested and facing prosecution in connection with the violence were students of Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, or that their arrests were made inside student hostels.

It stressed that AAU is currently closed, with all students having vacated the hostels long before the incident.

“Those arrested were intercepted while allegedly heading to vandalise property on campus. While others were faces identified on the viral video of the incident showing various acts of arson carried out,” the statement said.

According to the Edo State Government, most of the arrests were based on clear evidence, including a video showing acts of violence and destruction, adding: “the suspects arrested are rioters, not peaceful protesters.”

The government also emphasised that the incident has no connection whatsoever with students or the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS).

The state further debunked another viral video circulating online and falsely tagged as a kidnapping incident in Ekpoma, stating that the incident is a gross misrepresentation. The government described the video as part of a deliberate campaign to spread fear, mislead residents and tarnish the image of the administration.

“There are also strong indications, the government said, that opposition elements, possibly with the foreign backing, are sponsoring the unrest in a bid to discredit the Edo State Government and create chaos,” it said.

While reaffirming its commitment to the protection of lives and property, the government said it is working closely with security agencies to maintain law and order across the state. It noted that although peaceful and lawful protest is a constitutional right, violence, rioting, vandalism and looting will not be tolerated under any circumstances.

The government assured residents of Ekpoma that the situation is fully under control, as peace and normalcy continue to return to the town. The public was urged to ignore fake videos and unverified reports, remain calm and go about their lawful activities.