News
UPDATE: Edo State Government Moves to Release 52 Ambrose Alli University Students Arrested Amid Ekpoma Protest
A positive development has emerged in the aftermath of last weekend’s violent protest in Ekpoma, where 52 individuals, including students from Ambrose Alli University (AAU), were arrested and remanded in custody.
According to a statement from Hon. Comrade Asefon Sunday Dayo, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Students Engagement, 38 confirmed AAU students among those detained are set to be released shortly.
The announcement credits the swift resolution to collaborative efforts by key stakeholders, including Edo State Governor, His Excellency Senator Monday Okpebholo, who has directed the release of bona fide students after meetings with the AAU Students’ Union Government (SUG) leadership; Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa; Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayo Olawande; the dedicated Commissioner for Education in Edo State; the SUG President of Ambrose Alli University**; and the broader comrade community.
The protest, initially sparked by concerns over rising kidnappings and insecurity in Ekpoma and surrounding areas, reportedly escalated into violence, with reports of property destruction, looting, and vandalism—including at the palace of the Onojie of Ekpoma. Authorities, including the Edo State Government, have attributed the unrest to a group known as the “Ambrose Alli Comrade Community” (primarily non-students or former students), insisting that genuine AAU students did not organize or lead the demonstration.Governor Okpebholo has emphasized that while peaceful protests are protected, criminal acts will face consequences, with ongoing investigations into the violence.
The state has deployed officials, including the Commissioner for Education, to the Ubiaja Correctional Centre to facilitate the verification and release process for confirmed students.
The statement praises the commitment to dialogue, due process, and student welfare, highlighting a peaceful resolution through multi-level interventions.
This update comes amid widespread calls from groups such as the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), opposition parties like the PDP, and rights activists for the unconditional release of the detainees, amid concerns over insecurity in the region.
The Edo State Government continues to urge calm as efforts focus on restoring peace and addressing underlying security challenges in Ekpoma.
A joint security operation against terrorists has led to the rescue of nine persons in Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State.
According to inside sources, Forest Guards, under the supervision of the Directorate of Security Services and working with members of the local hunters and vigilante group, embarked on bush-combing operations. They discovered a hideout of the kidnappers and engaged them.
Nine persons were rescued in two separate operations in the forest of Obbo Aiyegunle. One of the kidnappers was neutralised while others fled with gunshot injuries.
One of the rescued persons is said to be receiving medical care at an undisclosed medical facility in the local government.
News
Zamfara LG Chairman Abduction: Security operatives intensify rescue efforts
Security forces are currently conducting deliberate operations at the suspected location of the terrorists, aimed at safely rescuing the abducted Chairman.
• Family of the abducted Zamfara LG Chairman
Aliyu Danjal, Lieutenant Colonel Media Information Officer Joint Task Force (North West) Operation FANSAN YAMMA, disclosed that on hearing gunshots, troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA responded immediately and swiftly moved to the scene where they engaged in hot pursuit of the terrorists leading to a fierce exchange of fire.
News
IGP Disu orders officers to shoot anyone carrying illegal firearms
Disu explained that the directive was backed by Force Order 237, which empowers police officers to respond immediately to armed threats without waiting for approval from superior officers.
The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has directed police officers across the country to shoot on sight anyone found carrying illegal firearms, as part of intensified efforts to curb insecurity.
Disu issued the directive on Friday during a stakeholders’ meeting at the Government House in Makurdi, the Benue State capital, saying the move followed President Bola Tinubu’s instruction that the lingering security crisis in the state must be brought to an end.
The police chief maintained that only authorised security personnel are legally permitted to carry firearms, warning that law enforcement agencies would no longer tolerate the unlawful possession of weapons.
” You cannot move around freely carrying arms as if there is no law and order in this country. It will not be tolerated,” he said.
Disu explained that the directive was backed by Force Order 237, which empowers police officers to respond immediately to armed threats without waiting for approval from superior officers.
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