Edo govt moves to secure release of detained AAU students

The Edo State Government has begun steps to secure the release of genuine students of Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, who were remanded at the Ubiaja Correctional Centre after a protest over repeated kidnappings in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area.

The students were part of 52 people arrested and later remanded in connection with the unrest that followed the protest.

Governor Monday Okpebholo has directed the Commissioner for Education, Dr Paddy Iyamu, to intervene in the matter and ensure that bona fide AAU students are identified and released in line with the law.

According to the state government, the intervention is aimed at separating students who peacefully expressed their concerns from other suspects, while also addressing the security challenges that led to the protest.

Speaking with journalists at the Ubiaja Correctional Centre, Dr Iyamu assured that genuine AAU students would regain their freedom once all required procedures were completed.

He stated that last week’s violent protest in Ekpoma was instigated by a group known as the Comrade Association, which he described as comprising former students who seize any opportunity to foment disorder.

He said, “There is a lot of misinformation going around, especially on social media. I wonder how a protest will occur without the authorisation of the Student Union Government. The school is not in sessions and the students were not involved.

“We have a group tagged the Comrade Association that co-opts students to carry out the dastardly act. There was no letter written to the security about any protest.

“These are ex-students of the university looking for an opportunity to latch onto any problem and cause mayhem. They went to the House of the traditional ruler, took Indomie and other things. That character does not depict students. His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has said that any bona fide students should be released and walk home free.”

President of the AAU SUG, Osadebamwen Ehizojie, commended the Governor for ensuring the release of the students.

He said AAU students did not start the protest, adding that it was hijacked by hoodlums.

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