Ekpoma: Russia-based Nigerian, Others Sponsored Protest – Gov Okpebholo

By Idahosa Musa

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has alleged that the recent protest in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State, was sponsored by a Russia-based Nigerian and some others in other overseas locations, dismissing as false, misleading, and deliberately orchestrated several social media reports of the protest to the contrary.

The Governor described the reports of the disturbances as part of a coordinated attempt to misinform the public and destabilize the state.

Governor Okpebholo who made the allegations on Tuesday through his Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Dr. Patrick Ebojele, said the incident was not a peaceful protest, as widely reported online, but a well-organised riot allegedly sponsored by a Nigerian resident in Russia and other overseas locations.

According to the governor, security agencies have identified the alleged masterminds who reportedly contacted individuals in Ekpoma and proposed funding coordinated riots across Ekpoma, Auchi, Irrua, and even Government House in Benin, with financial backing from the diaspora.

He also categorically refuted claims that those arrested and currently facing prosecution in connection with the violence were students of Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, or that arrests were made within student hostels.

Okpebholo explained that AAU is presently closed, with students having vacated their hostels long before the incident.

Those arrested, the government said, were intercepted while allegedly heading towards the campus to vandalize property, while others were identified from viral videos showing acts of arson and destruction.

Governor Monday Okpebholo asserted that, most of the arrests were based on clear and verifiable evidence, including video footage capturing violent acts during the unrest.

“The suspects are rioters, not peaceful protesters,” he said, adding that the incident has no connection whatsoever with students or the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS).

The state government also debunked another viral video circulating online and falsely tagged as a kidnapping incident in Ekpoma, describing it as a gross misrepresentation deliberately designed to spread fear, mislead residents, and tarnish the image of the administration.

It further disclosed that there are strong indications that opposition elements, possibly with foreign backing, are sponsoring the unrest in a bid to discredit the Edo State Government and plunge the state into chaos.

While reaffirming its commitment to the protection of lives and property, the governor said he is working closely with security agencies to ensure the maintenance of law and order across Edo State.

The statement noted that although peaceful and lawful protest is a constitutional right, acts of violence, rioting, vandalism, and looting will not be tolerated under any circumstances.

Okpebholo assured residents of Ekpoma  that the situation is fully under control, as peace and normalcy continue to return to the town.

He urged the people to ignore fake videos, unverified reports, remain calm, and go about their lawful activities.