Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has directed the immediate release of students of Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, who were arrested by the police during efforts to restore order in the town.
The governor issued the directive after a meeting with the President of the Students’ Union Government (SUG) of the university.
Okpebholo said the protest that led to the arrests was orchestrated by a group identified as the Comrade Association, which he described as comprising former students who, according to him, take advantage of unrest to cause mayhem.
While noting the need to maintain law and order, the governor emphasised that bona fide students should not be made to bear the consequences of actions allegedly carried out by non-students.
He subsequently deployed the Edo State Commissioner for Education, Dr Paddy Iyamu, to liaise with relevant authorities to facilitate the release of the affected students.
The students are among 52 persons arrested by security agencies and remanded at a correctional facility on Monday following the disturbance in Ekpoma.
The state government said it remains committed to ensuring peace in host communities while safeguarding the rights and welfare of students.
Tension escalated in Ekpoma on Monday following a protest that disrupted commercial activities and vehicular movement within parts of the university town.
Security operatives were deployed to restore order after reports of road blockages and public disturbances. During the operation, 52 persons, including students of Ambrose Alli University (AAU), were arrested and subsequently remanded at a correctional facility.
The arrests triggered concerns among students and university authorities, prompting engagements with the state government over the handling of the incident and the welfare of those detained.
Governor Monday Okpebholo’s intervention followed representations by the Students’ Union Government (SUG) leadership, who maintained that many of the arrested persons were students caught up in the enforcement operation.
