The Edo State Government has announced the release of 38 students of Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, who were arrested following last weekend’s protest over rising insecurity in the area. Some students were freed on Tuesday, while the remainder were scheduled for release on Wednesday, the Commissioner for Education, Paddy Iyamu, told Channels Television on Sunrise Daily.
Iyamu explained that while the protest was initially peaceful, outsiders living in Edo State instigated unrest that led to property destruction. “The masterminds of the unrest were people living outside Edo, who fomented trouble, leading to the destruction of properties,” he said.
The commissioner noted that students had previously held a peaceful protest in May 2025, which was received by the governor without incident. “If people are going to make their concerns known, it must be done in an orderly manner. Taking the law into their own hands and damaging property, including entering the palace of the king, is unacceptable,” Iyamu added.
Following the restoration of normalcy, the government approved the resumption of academic activities at AAU. “Students are to return to school on Monday. Security agencies are ensuring peace is sustained,” Iyamu stated.
The protest on Saturday saw youths demonstrate against kidnappings and other security challenges in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area. Viral videos showed residents fleeing a market amid the unrest. Over 50 people were reportedly arrested after police said the protest had been hijacked, leading to looting, property damage, and vandalism.
The Edo State High Court had ordered the remand of some of those involved at the Ubiaja Correctional Centre.
Governor Monday Okpebholo clarified that the unrest was not organised by AAU students. During a meeting with the Students’ Union Government (SUG) president on Tuesday, he said, “These are people who are no longer students but are just hanging around the school, causing trouble and extorting law-abiding students. We will put an end to that.”
The government’s intervention has paved the way for the students’ release and the resumption of academic activities in the region.
