Edo Governor Links Ekpoma Protest to Alleged Foreign-Based Sponsor
Edo Governor Links Ekpoma Protest to Alleged Foreign-Based Sponsor
Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has claimed that a Nigerian living in Russia helped finance the recent protest in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area, which later turned violent.
Residents of Ekpoma and nearby communities had on Saturday staged a protest over the growing cases of kidnapping in the area. The demonstration drew youths and students, including those from Ambrose Alli University (AAU).
The protest, however, reportedly escalated into violence. During the unrest, a military officer allegedly shot and injured a 32-year-old man identified as Osagie Abraham. Following the incident, police arrested several participants, and 52 protesters were later arraigned before a high court in the state.
In a statement released on Tuesday by his Chief Press Secretary, Patrick Ebojele, Governor Okpebholo described the incident as a “coordinated riot” rather than a peaceful protest. He alleged that the action was funded by a Nigerian resident in Russia, along with other individuals based outside the country.
According to the governor, some suspects were arrested while allegedly heading out to damage public and private property, while others were identified through video footage circulating online that showed acts of arson during the protest.
Okpebholo said the arrests were based on what he described as clear evidence, including videos showing violence and destruction. He stressed that those in custody were not arrested for peaceful protest but for acts of rioting.
The governor also dismissed claims linking the incident to students or the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), stating that the unrest had no connection with organised student bodies.
He assured residents that security agencies have brought the situation under control and that calm is gradually returning to Ekpoma.
Okpebholo further advised the public to ignore what he described as fake videos and unverified reports on social media, urging residents to remain calm and go about their lawful activities.
