By
Abdul-Kadir Abdullah
The Edo State Government has dismissed circulating claims about the recent violence in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area, describing the incident as a sponsored riot rather than a peaceful protest.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the government said reports on social media were false, misleading and deliberately crafted to misinform the public and destabilise the state.
According to the clarification, security agencies have uncovered evidence that the violence was coordinated and funded by a Nigerian resident in Russia, alongside other sponsors based abroad.
The government disclosed that the alleged masterminds contacted individuals in Ekpoma with proposals to organise coordinated riots not only in Ekpoma but also in Auchi, Irrua and even around the Government House in Benin City, using funds sourced from the diaspora.
Reacting to claims that students of Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, were arrested during the incident, the state government firmly refuted the allegation. It explained that AAU is currently closed and that students had vacated the hostels long before the incident occurred. It added that no arrests were made inside student hostels.
Those arrested, the government said, were intercepted while allegedly heading to vandalise property, while others were identified through viral videos showing acts of arson and destruction during the riot. The arrests, it stressed, were based on clear and verifiable evidence.
“The suspects arrested are rioters, not peaceful protesters,” the statement said, emphasising that the incident has no connection whatsoever with students of AAU or the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS).
The government also debunked another viral video circulating online and falsely tagged as a kidnapping incident in Ekpoma, describing it as a gross misrepresentation aimed at spreading fear and tarnishing the image of the administration.
According to the state, there are strong indications that opposition elements, possibly with foreign backing, are sponsoring the unrest in an attempt to discredit the Edo State Government and create chaos.
While reaffirming its commitment to protecting lives and property, the government said it is working closely with security agencies to maintain law and order across the state. It reiterated that although peaceful and lawful protest is a constitutional right, violence, rioting, vandalism and looting will not be tolerated.
Residents of Ekpoma were assured that the situation is under control, with peace and normalcy gradually returning.
The government urged the public to disregard fake videos and unverified reports, remain calm and continue their lawful activities.
