The Digest:
Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has dismissed the recent Ekpoma unrest as a protest, labeling it a “coordinated riot” sponsored from abroad. The government alleges that a Nigerian based in Russia and other overseas actors funded the violence, a storm with roots far beyond local grievances.
Key Points:
- The Edo government says the Ekpoma violence was a “well-organised riot,” not a protest.
- It claims the riot was sponsored by a Nigerian living in Russia and other diaspora actors.
- Funds were traced from overseas to individuals in Ekpoma, Auchi, Irrua, and Benin City.
- Those arrested were not AAU students; the university was closed at the time.
- Suspects were identified from viral videos showing arson and destruction.
- The government insists most arrests were evidence-based, not targeting peaceful protesters.
- The unrest followed the kidnapping and killing of a young man in Ekpoma on January 9.
Sources: The Punch, Vanguard
