Students of Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, who were earlier remanded following a protest against rising cases of kidnapping in Ekpoma, Esan West LGA of Edo State, have regained their freedom.
Gatekeepers News reports that the students were among 52 persons arrested after the protest turned violent and were remanded at the Ubiaja correctional centre on allegations including malicious damage and armed robbery, following an order of a federal high court in the state.
Patrick Ebojele, chief press secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo, confirmed the release in a statement issued on Thursday. He said the release followed interventions by the Edo State Government and other relevant stakeholders.
After their release, the students were received by Governor Okpebholo at the Government House in Benin City. During the meeting, the Governor expressed concern over the manner in which the protest escalated and warned against allowing criminal elements to hijack genuine demands.
He urged the students to always adopt lawful and peaceful means when expressing grievances, noting that insecurity remains a serious issue that requires cooperation between government and citizens.
Ayodele Olawande, minister of youth development, who was present at the meeting, said he travelled to Edo State specifically to facilitate the release of the detained students.
Olawande wrote in a post on X, “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.”
“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.”
The protest, which was organised to draw attention to repeated cases of abduction in Ekpoma and its environs, reportedly led to the destruction of property, including an attack on the palace of Zaiki Anthony Abumere II, the Onojie of Ekpoma.
Authorities have reiterated that while concerns over insecurity are valid, violence and vandalism will not be tolerated, as investigations into the incident continue.
