Edo Government Dismisses Ekpoma Riot Reports, Alleges Foreign Sponsorship

Kingsley Ohens reporting For Urbanscoopnews

Benin City, January 13, 2026 — The Edo State Government has dismissed widespread social media reports describing recent unrest in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area, as protests, insisting instead that the incident was a coordinated riot allegedly sponsored by individuals based overseas.
In an official clarification issued on Tuesday, the government described the reports as false and misleading, warning that they form part of a deliberate attempt to misinform the public and destabilise the state.

According to the statement, security agencies have identified a Nigerian resident in Russia, alongside other foreign-based collaborators, as key sponsors of the violence.

The Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Dr Patrick Akhere Ebojele, said intelligence reports revealed that the sponsors contacted individuals within Ekpoma and allegedly proposed the organisation of coordinated riots across several towns, including Ekpoma, Auchi, Irrua, and even the Government House in Benin City, with funding sourced from the diaspora.

The government firmly rejected claims that those arrested in connection with the incident were students of Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, or that arrests were carried out within student hostels. Dr Ebojele explained that the university has been closed for some time, with students having vacated the hostels long before the incident occurred.

He stated that suspects were apprehended while allegedly attempting to vandalise property, including facilities within the university environment, while others were identified through viral video footage showing acts of arson and destruction during the unrest.

“The individuals arrested are rioters, not peaceful protesters,” the government said, emphasising that the incident has no connection whatsoever with AAU students or the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS).

The Edo State Government also debunked another viral video circulating online and falsely labelled as a kidnapping incident in Ekpoma, describing it as a gross misrepresentation intended to spread fear and undermine public confidence.

According to the statement, there are strong indications that opposition elements, possibly with foreign backing, are sponsoring the unrest in a bid to discredit the state government and create chaos.

While reaffirming its commitment to protecting lives and property, the government said it is working closely with security agencies to ensure law and order across the state. It acknowledged that peaceful protest is a constitutional right but warned that violence, vandalism, rioting and looting would not be tolerated under any circumstances.

Residents of Ekpoma were assured that the situation is under control, with peace and normalcy gradually returning to the town. The government urged the public to disregard unverified reports and fake videos, remain calm, and continue their lawful activities.