Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has alleged that individuals based in Russia were behind the January 10, 2026 protest in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area of the state.
The allegation was contained in a statement issued on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, in Benin City by his Chief Press Secretary, Dr Patrick Ebojele.
Okpebholo claimed that opposition elements, with alleged foreign backing, sponsored the unrest in a bid to discredit the Edo State Government and destabilise the state.
He dismissed several social media reports on the protest as “false and misleading,” describing them as part of a coordinated effort to spread misinformation and create chaos.
According to the governor, the incident was “not a protest but a well-organised riot sponsored by a Nigerian resident in Russia and other locations overseas.”
He said security agencies had identified the masterminds, who allegedly contacted individuals in Ekpoma and proposed funding coordinated riots across Ekpoma, Auchi, Irrua, and even the Government House in Benin City, using diaspora funds.
The governor also refuted claims that those arrested were students of Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, or that arrests were carried out in student hostels.
He noted that AAU was on holiday at the time, with students having vacated the hostels before the incident.
Okpebholo stated that arrests were made based on clear evidence, including videos showing acts of violence and destruction, stressing that those arrested were “rioters, not peaceful protesters.”
He added that the incident had no connection with students or the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS).
“Those arrested were intercepted while allegedly heading to vandalise property on campus, while others were faces identified on the viral video of the incident showing various acts of arson carried out,” he said.
The governor also debunked another viral video falsely tagged as a kidnapping incident in Ekpoma, describing it as a gross misrepresentation.
He said the video was part of a deliberate campaign to spread fear, mislead residents, and tarnish the image of his administration.
Okpebholo reaffirmed his commitment to protecting lives and property, stating that the government is working closely with security agencies to maintain law and order across the state.
While acknowledging that peaceful protest is a constitutional right, he warned that “violence, rioting, vandalism and looting will not be tolerated under any circumstances.”
He urged residents to ignore fake videos and unverified reports, assuring the people of Ekpoma that the situation is under control as peace and normalcy gradually return.
