The Edo State Government on Tuesday assured that it had set motions in place for the release of all bonafide students of the Ambrose Alli University, who were remanded at the Ubiaja Correctional Centre for their alleged participation in the protest against incessant kidnapping in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area of the state.
The affected students were among 52 persons arrested and subsequently remanded on the order of a Benin High Court on Monday at the Ubiaja Correctional Centre.
Giving the assurance at the premises of the correctional centre on Tuesday, Edo State Commissioner for Education, Dr. Paddy Italy said that he was at the facility on the directive of Governor Monday Okpebholo to facilitate the release of the students.
Dr. Iyamu said that the governor’s directive covered all bona fide students of AAU arrested in the wake of the protest, assuring that they would walk home free after all processes were perfected.
He said last week’s violent protest in Ekpoma was orchestrated by a group identified as the ‘Comrade Association’.
Dr. Iyamu noted that the Comrade Association comprised of former students who used any opportunity to latch on to cause mayhem.
He said, “There is a lot of misinformation going around, especially on social media. I wonder how a protest will occur without the authorisation of the Student Union Government. The school is not in sessions and the students were not involved.
“We have a group tagged the Comrade Association that co-opts students to carry out the dastardly act. There was no letter written to the security about any protest.
“These are ex-students of the university looking for an opportunity to latch on any problem and cause mayhem.
“They went to the House of the traditional ruler, took indomie and other things. That character does not depict students. His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has said that any bona fide students be release and walk home free”
Also speaking, the President of the AAU Students Union Government (SUG), Osadebamwen Ehizojie, commended the governor for ensuring the release of the students.
He said AAU students did not start the protest, adding that it was hijacked by hoodlums.
