- Safiu Kehind
The arrested students of Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, have regained the freedom following an order for their release by the Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo.
NPO Reported that the students were among the 52 suspects arrested over alleged involvement in a violent protest over the spate of insecurity and kidnapping in the state.
The students were remanded at the Ubiaja Correctional Centre hours after their arrest over the last week’s protest in their university’s host community, Ekpoma.
Meanwhile, the development had sparked punlic outrage with demand for their immediate release.
In reaction, Okpebholo, on Tuesday, met with the management of the tertiary institution where he ordered the release of the students.
The release was confirmed in a statement issued on Thursday by Patrick Ebojele, Chief Press Secretary to the Edo State Governor.
Following their release, Governor Okpebholo reportedly met with the affected students and other stakeholders during an engagement held at the Banquet Hall of the Government House in Benin City.
The governor, at the meeting, assured them of his administration’s commitment to dialogue, reforms and the holistic development of Ambrose Alli University.
He decried the violence that trailed the protest, especially against the backdrop of his resolve to revive the institution.
Okpebholo said he was deeply troubled by the state of AAU when he assumed office, describing the institution’s funding situation as unacceptable.
He revealed increasing AAU’s monthly allocation to N500 million as part of efforts to revive the institution and restore its academic standards as against the monthly subvention of N41 million issued under the last administration.
The governor also disclosed that the university is burdened with about ₦41 billion in unpaid salary and wage arrears, adding that plans are in place to gradually clear the salary arrears.
He urged students to avoid violence and not allow themselves to be manipulated by criminal elements, advising them to pursue their grievances through peaceful engagement.
Okpebholo however acknowledged the broader insecurity challenges in Ekpoma and across the country, noting that investigations showed many crimes in the area were perpetrated by locals.
He stressed that insecurity affects everyone equally and pledged that his administration would not allow criminals to find refuge in Edo State.