The Edo State government has dismissed as false and misleading several social media reports surrounding the recent incidents in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area, describing them as part of a coordinated attempt to misinform the public and destabilise the state.
In a clarification issued by the government through the Chief Press Secretary, Patrick Ebojele, it said that the incident was not a protest but a well-organised riot sponsored by a Nigerian resident in Russia and other locations overseas.
Security agencies, the state government said, have already identified the masterminds, who contacted several individuals in Ekpoma, proposing sponsoring the organisation of coordinated riots across Ekpoma, Auchi, Irrua, and even the Government House, Benin City, with funding from the diaspora.
The government firmly refuted claims that those arrested and facing prosecution in connection with the violence were students of the Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, or that they were arrested inside their hostels.
It stressed that the AAU is currently closed, with all students having vacated the hostels long before the incident.
“Those arrested were intercepted while allegedly heading to vandalise property on campus.
“While others were faces identified on the viral video of the incident, showing various acts of arson carried out,” the statement added.
The state government insisted that most of the arrests were based on clear evidence, including a video showing acts of violence and destruction.
“The suspects arrested are rioters, not peaceful protesters,” it said.
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The government also emphasised that the incident has no connection whatsoever with students or the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS).
The state government further debunked another viral video circulating online and falsely tagged as a kidnapping incident in Ekpoma, stating that the incident is a gross misrepresentation.
The government described the video as part of a deliberate campaign to spread fear, mislead residents, and tarnish the image of the administration.
There are also strong indications, the state government said, that opposition elements, possibly with foreign backing, are sponsoring the unrest in a bid to discredit the Edo State government and create chaos.
While reaffirming its commitment to the protection of lives and property, the state government said it is working closely with security agencies to maintain law and order across the state.
It noted that although peaceful and lawful protest is a constitutional right, violence, rioting, vandalism, and looting will not be tolerated under any circumstances.
Residents of Ekpoma were assured that the situation is fully under control, as peace and normalcy continue to return to the town.
The public was urged to ignore fake videos and unverified reports, remain calm, and go about their lawful activities.
