Fifty-two students of Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, who were remanded at the Ubiaja Correctional Centre following last weekend's violent protest, have been released, the Edo State government confirmed on Thursday.
The students, along with other detainees, were freed after being remanded by a Benin High Court on charges including malicious damage and armed robbery.
The release was announced by Patrick Ebojele, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo.
The demonstration, originally staged to protest rising insecurity and kidnappings in Ekpoma, turned chaotic when hoodlums allegedly hijacked the event, resulting in attacks on traders, tyre burnings, road blockages, and looting.
Speaking at a stakeholders’ engagement meeting at the Banquet Hall of Government House, Benin, Governor Okpebholo expressed deep regret over the violence and reiterated his administration’s commitment to reviving AAU.“I was highly in pain when I saw what was happening in my place.
The day I was sworn in, I said I was going to revive Ambrose Alli University,” he said. He highlighted severe financial mismanagement under the previous administration, where the entire university community reportedly received ₦41 million while a single consultant earned ₦59 million.
The governor disclosed that outstanding salary and wage arrears for AAU staff now amount to approximately ₦41 billion, with plans in place to gradually settle the debt. He urged students to focus on their academics and avoid being used by criminal elements.
“Somebody said he is a student, and he protests. What are you protesting for? Don’t allow yourself to be used. Read your books so that you can be like us,” Okpebholo advised, while condemning the destruction of property during the protest and assuring that criminals would be held accountable.
Commissioner for Education Dr Paddy Iyamu commended the governor’s approach of dialogue over force, with support also expressed by Deputy Governor Dennis Idahosa, Chief of Staff Gani Audu, the Minister of Youth, and the Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Youth Engagement.
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