The Edo State Government has announced the release of 38 students of Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, who were arrested during last weekend’s unrest in the university town.
The Commissioner for Education, Paddy Iyamu, disclosed this on Wednesday during an interview on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief. He said some of the students were released on Tuesday, while the remaining detainees were expected to regain their freedom later on Wednesday.
Iyamu explained that the violence was not a student-led protest as widely reported, but a coordinated disturbance allegedly orchestrated by individuals from outside Edo State. According to him, the situation escalated into the destruction of public and private property, including the looting of items from the palace of the traditional ruler in the area.
“The incident was hijacked by hoodlums who fomented trouble and caused widespread damage,” the commissioner said.
He added that with calm restored in Ekpoma, the state government has approved the resumption of academic activities at Ambrose Alli University.
The arrests followed a protest on Saturday that was initially organised to draw attention to rising insecurity in Ekpoma. The demonstration, however, turned violent after suspected hoodlums reportedly infiltrated the gathering, attacked traders, blocked roads with burning tyres, and disrupted commercial activities.
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The arrests sparked public criticism, with several political figures and activists, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, condemning the action and describing it as an attempt to suppress democratic expression.
In response, the Edo State Government dismissed claims that the incident was a peaceful student protest or that those arrested were picked up from student hostels. Officials maintained that the violence amounted to a coordinated riot aimed at destabilising the state.
Authorities say investigations are ongoing, even as normal activities gradually return to Ekpoma and the university community.