The Edo State Government on Tuesday,13 January, 2026 alleged that last week’s violent protest in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area of the state was a well organised riot sponsored by a Nigerian resident in Russia and other locations abroad, reports thegazellenews.com.
The government in a statement on Tuesday, 13 January, 2026, by Patrick Akhere Ebojele, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo, dismissed claims of a protest as false and misleading.
According to Ebojele, the social media reports on the protest were a part of a coordinated attempt to misinform the public and destabilise the state.
“Security…has already identified the masterminds, who contacted several individuals in Ekpoma, proposing sponsoring the organisation of a coordinated riots across Ekpoma, Auchi, Irrua and even the Government House, Benin City, with funding from the diaspora, the governor image maker said in the statement.
The statement also denied claims that those arrested and facing prosecution in connection with the violence were students of Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, or that their arrests were made inside student hostels, just as it also added that AAU is currently closed, with all students having vacated the hostels long before the incident.
“Those arrested were intercepted while allegedly heading to vandalise property on campus. While others were faces identified on the viral video of the incident showing various acts of arson carried out,” the statement said.
The statement stated further that most of the arrests were based on clear evidence, including a video showing acts of violence and destruction, adding: “the suspects arrested are rioters, not peaceful protesters.”
While adding that the incident has no connection whatsoever with students or the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), the state government also denied another viral video circulating online and falsely tagged as a kidnapping incident in Ekpoma, stating that the incident is a gross misrepresentation.
The government described the video as part of a deliberate campaign to spread fear, mislead residents and tarnish the image of the administration.
“There are also strong indications, the government said, that opposition elements, possibly with the foreign backing, are sponsoring the unrest in a bid to discredit the Edo State Government and create chaos,” it said.
The statement affirmed the state commitment to the protection of lives and property, stating that the government is working closely with security agencies to maintain law and order across the state.
The government also added that although peaceful and lawful protest is a constitutional right, violence, rioting, vandalism and looting will not be tolerated under any circumstances.
The statement also assured residents of Ekpoma that the situation is fully under control, as peace and normalcy continue to return to the town, just as it also urged members of publicto ignore fake videos and unverified reports and also remain calm and go about their normal lawful activities.
