Edo State authorities have announced the imminent release of 38 people detained during weekend disturbances in Ekpoma, paving the way for the resumption of academic activities at Ambrose Alli University (AAU).
The Commissioner for Education, Paddy Iyamu, revealed on Wednesday that some detainees were freed on Tuesday, while the remaining individuals were expected to regain their freedom later in the day.
Iyamu said the unrest was incited by outsiders, who “fomented trouble, leading to the destruction of properties”, and added that “some items were stolen from the palace of the local monarch”.
He confirmed that calm has since been restored, allowing academic activities to resume at AAU.
The disturbances reportedly began as a protest on Saturday over insecurity in Ekpoma but escalated into violence when suspected hoodlums hijacked the demonstration, attacking traders and setting tyres on roads to block traffic.
Many have described them the arrests as an infringement on democratic expression.
Against widespread condemnation, the Edo State Government rejected claims that the incident was a student-led protest, insisting it was a “coordinated riot aimed at destabilising the state”. Authorities also denied that the arrested individuals were all AAU students or that detentions occurred within student hostels.
The Commissioner reiterated that the government remains committed to maintaining law and order, ensuring the safety of residents, and supporting the university’s return to normal operations. Authorities also called on the public to cooperate with security agencies and avoid actions that could escalate tensions in the community.
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