The Edo State Government has begun the process of releasing bona fide students of Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, who were remanded at the Ubiaja Correctional Centre following last week’s unrest in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area.
The students were among 52 individuals arrested after violent protests over recurring kidnappings in the community. Governor Monday Okpebholo deployed the State Commissioner for Education, Paddy Iyamu, to oversee their release.
Speaking to journalists at the correctional centre, Iyamu said the process would be completed once all administrative procedures were finalised. He stressed that the unrest was orchestrated by a group known as the “Comrade Association,” reportedly made up of former students who exploit social issues to incite disorder.
“There is widespread misinformation circulating on social media.
“How can a protest occur without the Student Union Government’s authorisation? The school is not in session, and our students were not involved. The Comrade Association co-opted others to cause chaos, including vandalising property and taking items from the traditional ruler’s palace. This does not reflect the character of our students”, Iyamu said.
He added that Governor Okpebholo had directed that all bona fide students be released to return home freely.
President of the AAU Student Union Government (SUG), Osadebamwen Ehizojie, praised the governor for facilitating the students’ release and reiterated that the protest was hijacked by hoodlums, not initiated by the student body.
