Edo Governor Monday Okpebholo reveals sponsors behind Ekpoma protest, assuring residents that security agencies have restored peace and order across the town.
Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has disclosed that the sponsors of last week’s Ekpoma protest in Esan West local government area have been fully identified.
The governor described the protest as a carefully orchestrated riot, allegedly supported by a Nigerian resident living in Russia and other locations overseas.
Authorities have linked the unrest to opposition elements, possibly receiving foreign backing, with the aim of discrediting the Edo State Government and creating widespread chaos.
Speaking through his Chief Press Secretary, Patrick Ebojele, Governor Okpebholo emphasized that the Ekpoma protest was not spontaneous.
“The unrest was part of a coordinated attempt to misinform the public and destabilize the state,” the statement read.
According to the governor, intelligence from security agencies indicated that the masterminds reached out to several individuals in Ekpoma, offering financial support to orchestrate coordinated riots not only in Ekpoma but also in Auchi, Irrua, and even at the Government House in Benin City.
Security operatives acted swiftly, intercepting several suspects en route to allegedly vandalize campus properties.
Others were identified through viral videos circulating on social media, which clearly showed acts of arson, property destruction, and violent confrontations.
“Most of the arrests were based on irrefutable evidence, including visual footage of rioters committing acts of violence and destruction.
“It is important to note that these suspects are rioters, not peaceful protesters,” the statement clarified.
Governor Okpebholo made it clear that the Ekpoma protest is unrelated to students or the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS).
The government stressed that the unrest was fueled by external and opposition-driven influences aiming to tarnish its reputation and incite fear among residents.
This clarification is critical to preventing misinformation and ensuring that the public understands the actual source of the disturbance.
Residents of Ekpoma have been reassured that the situation is under control. Normalcy is gradually returning to the town, with security agencies actively patrolling key areas to maintain law and order.
The governor urged the public to remain calm, ignore fake videos and unverified reports, and continue with lawful activities.
“We are committed to ensuring the safety of every resident in Edo State,” the governor stated.
The identification of the sponsors highlights a growing trend where political and opposition elements, sometimes with foreign support, seek to exploit local grievances to destabilize state governments.
Governor Okpebholo’s statement further stressed that these external forces often manipulate unsuspecting locals to participate in unrest, misleading them into believing they are fighting for legitimate causes.
The government confirmed that the security agencies have not only apprehended suspects but are also investigating the networks behind the funding and coordination of the riots.
Officials believe that diaspora funding played a significant role in enabling the violence.
By addressing these networks, Edo State authorities aim to dismantle any infrastructure that could support future Ekpoma protests or similar acts of disruption elsewhere in the state.
Residents and local leaders in Ekpoma have welcomed the government’s intervention. Community heads expressed relief that the security agencies acted promptly to restore order and prevent further escalation.
Many residents praised the clear communication from the governor’s office, which helped curb panic and confusion following the initial unrest.
The governor also urged political actors to prioritize peace and dialogue over disruptive activities.
He emphasized that Edo State remains open to constructive engagement but will not tolerate attempts to destabilize governance through orchestrated violence.
“We remain committed to transparency, peace, and the rule of law,” Governor Okpebholo said.
The Ekpoma protest has now become a case study of how coordinated unrest can be planned and funded from abroad, using local communities as proxies for broader political agendas.
The government’s decisive response has sent a strong message that Edo State will not allow foreign or opposition interference to threaten its security and stability.
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