Students of Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, who were arrested and remanded at the Ubiaja Correctional Centre following a recent protest, have regained their freedom alongside other detainees.
The release was confirmed on Thursday in a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, Patrick Ebojele.
The students were among 52 persons earlier remanded by a Benin High Court on charges bordering on malicious damage and armed robbery. They were arrested after a peaceful protest against insecurity in Ekpoma last Saturday was reportedly hijacked by hoodlums and turned violent.
During the protest, suspected hoodlums allegedly attacked traders, set tyres ablaze and blocked major roads, with videos of the incidents circulating widely on social media.
Governor Okpebholo later met with the released students and other affected persons during a stakeholders’ engagement held at the Banquet Hall of Government House, Benin. He assured them of his administration’s commitment to dialogue, reforms and the overall development of Ambrose Alli University.
The governor expressed deep concern over the violence, noting that it occurred at a time when his administration was making efforts to revive the institution.
“I was highly pained when I saw what was happening. The day I was sworn in, I said I was going to revive Ambrose Alli University,” he said.
He disclosed that the university previously operated on a monthly subvention of ₦41 million, which he described as inadequate, while a consultant under the last administration reportedly received ₦59 million monthly.
According to him, the state government has since increased the university’s subvention to ₦500 million as part of efforts to reposition the institution.
Okpebholo also revealed that outstanding salary and wage arrears owed to AAU staff stood at about ₦41 billion, adding that plans were underway to gradually offset the debt.
He cautioned students against allowing themselves to be used by criminal elements, urging them to focus on their studies and embrace peaceful engagement.
“Don’t allow yourself to be used. Read your books so that you can be like us,” the governor advised.
While acknowledging the security challenges facing Ekpoma and other parts of the country, Okpebholo described insecurity as a collective problem, adding that investigations showed many criminal activities in the area were carried out by locals.
He condemned the destruction of shops and looting that accompanied the protest, describing such acts as counterproductive. He assured residents and students that criminal elements would not be allowed to find safe haven in Edo State.
The Commissioner for Education, Dr Paddy Iyamu, commended the governor for facilitating the release of the students and opting for dialogue rather than force.
Other speakers at the meeting also praised the governor’s intervention and commitment to education and peace.
The meeting was attended by the Deputy Governor, Dennis Idahosa; the Chief of Staff, Gani Audu; the Minister of Youth; the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Youth Engagement; and other top government officials.
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