… issues condition; vows to hunt sponsors of hoodlumsÂ
By Rosaline George
Governor of Edo State, Mr. Monday Okpebholo has given a directive that genuine students arrested during the security operations to restore peace amidst recent protest in the state should be identified and released.
The governor who made the disclosure via a statement said he arrived at the decision after meeting today with the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration) and the Students’ Union Government (SUG) President of the Ambrose Ali University, AAU, Ekpoma.
“Following the recent violent protests in Ekpoma, Today, I met with the Deputy VC Administration of AAU, Prof Andrew Eromonsele, alongside the President of the Student Union of Ambrose Alli University, Comrade Osadebamen Ehizogie Michael, to review the security situation, and the arrests made”, Gov Okpebholo noted.
While assuring parents and the University community that the students would be released, the governor added that his government would go after anyone identified as sponsors of destabilization in the state.
“I want to reassure students, parents, and the entire AAU community that my administration has nothing against the students. In fact, we have done more for the AAU community than any previous administration in the history of Edo State.
I have directed that any genuine student who may have been arrested in the process of restoring order will be promptly identified and released.
The destruction of markets and property in Ekpoma is condemnable, and anyone found sponsoring or using hoodlums to destabilize our communities will be brought to justice, regardless of status or affiliation”.
Governor Okpebholo also assured Edo people that his government in collaboration with security agencies was combing the hideouts of criminal elements in the state through the use of technology.
“The relevant security agencies, using technology-driven operations, are combing the bushes, leading to the arrest of suspected kidnappers and the recovery of firearms. We will continue to dismantle these criminal networks across Edo State.
My government remains fully committed to restoring peace in Ekpoma and ensuring that Edo State is not held hostage by criminal elements”.
