Trending 
The Edo State Government has alleged that the recent unrest in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area, was a “well-organised riot sponsored by a Nigerian resident in Russia and other locations overseas.”
The government claimed that the violence was not a nonviolent protest but rather a planned attempt to destabilise the state, in a statement released on Tuesday by Patrick Ebojele, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo.
According to the government, security agencies have identified suspected masterminds who allegedly coordinated the riots from abroad, contacting individuals in Ekpoma and organising attacks across Ekpoma, Auchi, Irrua and the Government House in Benin City.
The government said funds used to carry out the violence were traced to diaspora sources.
The state government rejected claims that those arrested in connection with the unrest were students of Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, or that arrests were carried out inside student hostels.
“The government firmly refuted 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,” the statement read in part.
It said the university was closed at the time of the incident and that students had vacated the hostels long before the unrest.
“The suspects arrested are rioters, not peaceful protesters,” the statement said, adding that some suspects were intercepted while allegedly heading to vandalise property on the university campus, while others were identified through viral videos showing acts of arson and destruction.
The government said most arrests were made based on clear evidence, including video recordings linking individuals to the violence.
It added that the incident had no connection with Ambrose Alli University students or the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS).
