Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has claimed that a Nigeria-based individual living in Russia is behind the unrest in Ekpoma, Esan West LGA, last Saturday.
The protests erupted after a surge in kidnappings in Ekpoma and nearby communities, prompting residents and Ambrose Alli University (AAU) students to take to the streets. Security forces intervened, arresting and detaining some protesters, which sparked public outcry.
In a statement released Tuesday and signed by Chief Press Secretary Patrick Ebojele, the governor said the events were “not a protest, but a well-organized riot” allegedly funded by Nigerians living abroad. According to the statement, the perpetrators coordinated riots across Ekpoma, Auchi, Irrua, and even the Government House in Benin City.
Okpebholo emphasized that the arrests were based on “clear evidence, including videos showing violence and destruction” and clarified that the incident had no link to students or the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS).
The government also debunked a viral video falsely claimed to depict a kidnapping in Ekpoma, calling it “a deliberate campaign to mislead residents and tarnish the administration’s image.” Officials warned that opposition elements, possibly with foreign backing, might be fueling the unrest to discredit the government.
Reaffirming the state’s commitment to law and order, Okpebholo stressed that while peaceful protests are constitutional, acts of violence, vandalism, and looting will not be tolerated. Residents were assured that peace is returning to Ekpoma and urged to disregard unverified reports and continue their daily activities.
