The Edo State Government has announced plans to release 38 students of Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, arrested during last weekend’s unrest in the town.
The Commissioner for Education, Paddy Iyamu, disclosed this on Wednesday during an interview on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief, saying some students were freed on Tuesday while others would regain their freedom later in the day.
“We didn’t sleep till 1 a.m. trying to release the students. Altogether, about 38 students are being released,” Iyamu said.
He blamed the violence on individuals from outside Edo State who allegedly hijacked the situation, leading to the destruction of property and theft, including items from the palace of the traditional ruler in the area.
Iyamu recalled that a similar protest against cultism in May 2025 was peaceful and orderly, noting that Governor Monday Okpebholo had personally received and addressed the protesters at Government House.
He stressed that while the government is open to dialogue, resorting to violence, looting, and attacks on traditional institutions was unacceptable.
The commissioner also announced that academic activities at AAU would resume on Monday, following the restoration of calm in Ekpoma.
“Normalcy has been restored. Security agencies are on ground, and the governor is still monitoring the situation to ensure sustained peace,” he said.
The arrests followed a protest against insecurity in Ekpoma on Saturday, which turned violent after suspected hoodlums hijacked the demonstration, attacked traders, and blocked roads.
While several political figures condemned the arrests as a clampdown on student protests, the Edo State Government insisted the incident was a coordinated riot, not a student-led protest, adding that only bona fide students would be released after due verification.