Students of Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, Edo state, who were remanded over alleged malicious damage and armed robbery following a protest against kidnapping in Ekpoma, Esan west LGA, have been released.
The students were among 52 suspects arrested after the protest and remanded at Ubiaja correctional centre by a federal high court in the state.
Patrick Ebojele, the chief press secretary (CPS) to Monday Okpebholo, governor of Edo, announced the release of the students in a statement issued on Thursday.
Shortly after their release, the students met the state governor at the government house in Benin City, the Edo state capital.
Speaking during the meeting, Okpebholo said he was deeply pained about how the protest turned violent.
He urged the students not to allow themselves to be used by criminal elements under the guise of protest.
Ayodele Olawande, minister of youth development, who was present during the meeting, said he was in Edo state to secure the release of the students.
“I was in Edo State to secure the release of 52 students who were detained following protests in their community, an intervention that underscores our commitment to responsive leadership and calm engagement,” Olawande wrote in a post on X.
“I sincerely appreciate His Excellency, the Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo @he_mondayokpebholo, whose decisiveness, humility, and people-first approach ensured a swift and humane resolution. His actions reaffirm a deep commitment to education, justice, and the wellbeing of young people in Edo State.
“I also commend the Edo State Education Commissioner, Dr. Paddy Iyamu @dr_emmapaddy, for his steady leadership and constructive engagement throughout the process. This outcome sends a clear message: dialogue works, education matters, and the voices of young Nigerians deserve protection within the bounds of peace and responsibility.”
BACKGROUND
Last Saturday, residents of Ekpoma and neighbouring communities took to the streets to protest the rising cases of kidnapping in the area and the killing of a young man by armed men.
The protesters marched through major roads carrying placards and calling for government intervention.
The protest turned violent when angry youths chased away traders at the livestock market in Ekpoma and slaughtered goats belonging to the traders.
The palace of Zaiki Anthony Abumere II, the Onojie of Ekpoma, was also attacked during the protest.
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