Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has said that sponsors of last week’s protest in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area, have been identified.
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The governor said the protest was a well-organised riot sponsored by a Nigerian resident in Russia and other locations overseas but failed to provide evidence to support his alleged claim.
He said there were strong indications that opposition elements, “possibly with foreign backing, are sponsoring the unrest in a bid to discredit the Edo State Government and create chaos.”
The Edo governor, who spoke in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Patrick Ebojele, said it was part of a coordinated attempt to misinform the public and destabilise the state.
The statement said security agencies have identified the masterminds, who contacted several individuals in Ekpoma and proposed sponsoring the organisation of coordinated riots across Ekpoma, Auchi, Irrua, and even the Government House, Benin City, with funding from the diaspora.
It said those arrested were intercepted while allegedly heading to vandalise property on campus, while others were faces identified in a viral video of the incident showing various acts of arson.
According to the statement, “Most of the arrests were based on clear evidence, including a video showing acts of violence and destruction. The suspects arrested are rioters, not peaceful protesters. The government also emphasised that the incident has no connection whatsoever with students or the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS).
“There are also strong indications,” the government said, “that opposition elements, possibly with foreign backing, are sponsoring the unrest in a bid to discredit the Edo State Government and create chaos.
“Residents of Ekpoma are assured that the situation is fully under control, as peace and normalcy continue to return to the town. The public is urged to ignore fake videos and unverified reports and remain calm while going about their lawful activities.”
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