The Edo State Government on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, firmly dismissed media and social media reports portraying recent violent incidents in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area, as legitimate protests, labeling them instead as a coordinated riot allegedly sponsored from abroad. In a strongly worded statement signed by Patrick Ebojele, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo, the administration described the events as a deliberate campaign to misinform the public, spread fear, and destabilize the state.
The unrest, which erupted on Saturday, January 10, 2026, followed the kidnapping and killing of a young man in Ekpoma on Friday, January 9. What began as community outrage over rising insecurity, kidnappings, and banditry quickly escalated into violence, including vandalism, arson, looting, and attacks on properties such as parts of the Onojie of Ekpoma's palace and a livestock market. Hoodlums reportedly hijacked the initial demonstration, blocking major highways, disrupting commerce, and causing widespread disruption in the university town.
Governor Okpebholo's administration categorically rejected characterizations of the incident as a peaceful protest, asserting it was a "well-organised riot sponsored by a Nigerian resident in Russia and other locations overseas." The statement highlighted that security agencies had identified the suspected masterminds, who allegedly contacted local individuals in Ekpoma to orchestrate synchronized attacks not only in Ekpoma but also in nearby towns like Auchi and Irrua, and even attempted disruptions near the Government House in Benin City. Funding for these activities was traced to diaspora sources, with the government pointing to possible involvement of opposition elements potentially backed by foreign interests aiming to discredit the Okpebholo administration and sow chaos.
A key focus of the statement was debunking claims that those arrested in connection with the violence were students of Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, or that arrests occurred inside student hostels. The government emphasized that AAU is currently closed, with all students having vacated the hostels well before the incident due to the institution's academic calendar. Officials clarified that suspects were intercepted while allegedly en route to vandalize campus property, and others were identified through viral video footage showing acts of arson and destruction. "The suspects arrested are rioters, not peaceful protesters," the statement stressed, adding that the unrest had no connection with students or the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS).
The administration also addressed a separate viral video circulating online and falsely labeled as a kidnapping incident in Ekpoma, calling it a "gross misrepresentation" and part of a broader effort to instill fear among residents, mislead the public, and tarnish the government's image.
While affirming that peaceful and lawful protest remains a constitutional right under Nigeria's 1999 Constitution (as amended), the government warned that violence, rioting, vandalism, and looting would not be tolerated under any circumstances. It assured residents of Ekpoma that the situation is fully under control, with peace and normalcy gradually returning to the town. Security agencies, including the Edo State Police Command, have intensified operations, reorganized the Ekpoma Division, and deployed additional personnel to maintain law and order.
The Ekpoma crisis reflects broader security challenges in Edo State, particularly in the central and northern zones, where kidnappings, banditry, and communal clashes have surged. The state has recorded multiple incidents of abductions targeting residents, farmers, and travelers, fueling public anxiety and calls for stronger government intervention. Governor Okpebholo, who assumed office in late 2024, has prioritized security through technology-driven operations, intelligence gathering, and collaboration with federal agencies.
The government's narrative contrasts with reports from civil society groups and opposition voices. The Coalition of Registered Political Parties (CRPP) and Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) criticized the handling of arrests, demanding the release of detainees—some identified as AAU students—and urging dialogue over detention. The Student Union Government (SUG) of AAU distanced the institution from the unrest, insisting it was not organized by registered students and calling for the prompt release of any wrongly implicated individuals.
In a related development, the Edo State Government initiated steps to secure the release of bona fide AAU students among the 52 persons remanded at Ubiaja Correctional Centre following court proceedings on Monday, January 12. Governor Okpebholo directed the Commissioner for Education to oversee the process, emphasizing that genuine students would walk free.
This incident highlights tensions between public expression of grievances over insecurity and the state's response to perceived criminal elements. As investigations continue, authorities have vowed to prosecute those responsible while protecting constitutional rights.
The Ekpoma unrest serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between addressing legitimate security concerns and preventing hijacking by criminal actors, amid ongoing efforts to restore stability in Edo State.
