The group faces charges including malicious damage and armed robbery, coming from a protest in Ekpoma on Saturday, January 10, 2026.
The demonstration was initially organized by residents and youths to protest the rising incidents of kidnapping and insecurity in the area, which has affected students, locals, and medical professionals. Reports indicate the protest began peacefully but was later hijacked by hoodlums, leading to violence.
Protesters reportedly blocked major roads (including the Benin/Auchi highway) with burning tyres, attacked traders, and vandalized the palace of the Onojie of Ekpoma, Zaiki Anthony Abumere II. This escalation was condemned by Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo.
Arrests occurred during a coordinated police operation in the early hours of January 12, 2026 (around 3 a.m.), when officers reportedly raided multiple student hostels in Ekpoma. Several arrested individuals, including some AAU students, stated they were taken from their residences while sleeping and were not directly involved in the protest or any acts of violence/looting. They were transported to Benin for arraignment.
The arrests followed a wave of kidnappings in Ekpoma and surrounding areas in recent weeks, including the abduction and killing of a young medical graduate (a former AAU student) and the ongoing captivity of his doctor brother, which heightened community outrage. A day after the protest (January 11, 2026), another kidnapping was captured on CCTV in the area.
The Edo State Government and AAU management have responded to the insecurity by suspending school resumption and academic activities in Edo Central Senatorial District (including AAU), with AAU postponing the start of the 2026 academic year. The university had previously distanced itself from earlier protest announcements, stating some participants were not registered students.
The police have described their response as necessary to restore order and prevent further chaos, while assuring intensified operations against kidnappers. The case remains under investigation, with some voices (including parents and activists) calling for the release of those claiming innocence and urging focus on addressing the root insecurity rather than mass arrests.
Arrests occurred during a coordinated police operation in the early hours of January 12, 2026 (around 3 a.m.), when officers reportedly raided multiple student hostels in Ekpoma. Several arrested individuals, including some AAU students, stated they were taken from their residences while sleeping and were not directly involved in the protest or any acts of violence/looting. They were transported to Benin for arraignment.
The arrests followed a wave of kidnappings in Ekpoma and surrounding areas in recent weeks, including the abduction and killing of a young medical graduate (a former AAU student) and the ongoing captivity of his doctor brother, which heightened community outrage. A day after the protest (January 11, 2026), another kidnapping was captured on CCTV in the area.
The Edo State Government and AAU management have responded to the insecurity by suspending school resumption and academic activities in Edo Central Senatorial District (including AAU), with AAU postponing the start of the 2026 academic year. The university had previously distanced itself from earlier protest announcements, stating some participants were not registered students.
The police have described their response as necessary to restore order and prevent further chaos, while assuring intensified operations against kidnappers. The case remains under investigation, with some voices (including parents and activists) calling for the release of those claiming innocence and urging focus on addressing the root insecurity rather than mass arrests.
What are narrative!!
ReplyDeleteWhat are thry intensifying? Yet people are still being kidnapped on a daily basis.
How about the soldier that shot an unarmed young man? How about the innocent people that have been remanded? God will judge you all accordingly.
The funny thing is that most of the students arrested where innocent.
ReplyDeleteThe kidnaped medical doctor is still in captivity and his abductors demanded for 100m and his family are soliciting for funds both online and offline, meanwhile his younger brother has already been killed. The governor couldn't mobilise to see how the doctor can be released but busy chasing ghost.
He is not fit to be a governor. Someone that's busy campaigning? Is this the time for that?
Delete@ sluttyChic, people are wondering how he even became a senator at the first place.
DeleteThe kind of disgrace that's coming for this Tinubu imposed governor eeh come next election if they don't ring it.
if dey explain Nigeria matter to you ,you understand am. The way Nigeria leaders use their power! it is well, even in the well
ReplyDeleteTempted to say Use$#lss gov but lemme ...
ReplyDeleteThat's exactly what he his. Sense is far from him
DeleteLeaders of tomorrow being pushed down🥺, I weep for my country
ReplyDeleteNa Wooo
ReplyDeleteHello iya Boys