Edo Govt Blames “Ambrose Alli Comrade Community” for Ekpoma Protest, Assures Students’ Release
Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has identified a group known as the “Ambrose Alli Comrade Community” as the alleged orchestrators of the violent protest that rocked Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, on Saturday. The Governor clarified that genuine students were not involved and assured that any detained students would be promptly released.
Governor Okpebholo made the revelation during a meeting with the Students’ Union Government (SUG) leadership of AAU on Tuesday, January 13, 2026. According to the Governor, intelligence reports indicate the unrest was engineered by former students who loiter around the university, engaging in unlawful activities and extorting students.
“I have met with the SUG President of AAU Ekpoma. This was not a students’ protest. These are people who are no longer students but are just hanging around the school, causing trouble and extorting law-abiding students. We will put an end to that,” Governor Okpebholo said.
The Governor dismissed claims linking the protest to kidnappings, describing them as staged to mislead the public and spark ethnic tension. He added that the orchestrators had planned a kidnapping and even resorted to violence, resulting in a death.
“The kidnapping they are talking about is fake. It was stage-managed. They were arranging to kidnap and release themselves. They even went as far as killing someone, which is the most painful part,” he added.
While emphasizing that AAU remains closed, Governor Okpebholo reassured that his administration has no issues with students and confirmed that no arrests were made on campus. Genuine students detained during the crackdown will be identified and released without delay.
SUG President Osadebamen Ehizogie Michael reiterated that students were not behind the unrest. He thanked Governor Okpebholo for his prompt engagement and assurances regarding the release of any affected students.
Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration) Prof Andrew Eromonsele also confirmed that the university had no arrests on campus and distanced the institution from the incident.
The Edo State government has vowed to restore peace in Ekpoma and ensure that criminal elements exploiting the university environment are held accountable under the law.
