Gov Okpebholo blames foreign sponsors for Ekpoma violence as kidnappings fuel Edo security crisis 

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has accused sponsors based outside Nigeria of orchestrating the violent unrest that erupted in Ekpoma, even as the state battles a surge in kidnappings and growing public anxiety over insecurity.

The state government on Tuesday rejected reports describing the Ekpoma incident as a protest, insisting it was a coordinated riot intended to destabilise the state. In a statement issued by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Patrick Ebojele, the government alleged that the violence was “carefully planned and financed by a Nigerian resident in Russia and other foreign locations.”

According to the statement, preliminary investigations by security agencies traced funding and coordination of the unrest to diaspora-based sponsors who allegedly mobilised individuals to carry out attacks in Ekpoma, Auchi, Irrua and around the Government House in Benin City. The government said several arrests had been made, with video evidence linking suspects to arson, vandalism and attacks on public and private facilities.

“The individuals arrested are not peaceful protesters. They are rioters who deliberately set out to cause mayhem,” the statement said.

The government also dismissed claims that students of Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, were involved, stressing that the institution is currently closed and that students had vacated hostels long before the violence. It added that no arrests were made inside student hostels.

The unrest followed the kidnapping and killing of a young man in Ekpoma on Friday, January 9, 2026, an incident that triggered fear and anger across the university town. Residents initially staged a peaceful protest over rising insecurity, but the demonstration was later hijacked by hoodlums.

During the violence, a major highway was blocked, traders at the Ekpoma livestock market were attacked, animals were killed and shops vandalised. The palace of the Onojie of Ekpoma, Zaiki Anthony Abumere II, was also attacked, an act widely condemned by the state government.

Reacting to the killing, Governor Okpebholo expressed deep sorrow and extended condolences to the victim’s family and the Ekpoma community. In a statement posted on his verified X account, he acknowledged the fear and frustration gripping residents and pledged a firm security response.

“No one should live in fear in their own community. I have directed security agencies to intensify operations in Ekpoma and surrounding areas to prevent further incidents and bring those responsible to justice,” the governor said.

As part of measures to restore calm, the Edo State Police Command announced a reorganisation of the Ekpoma Division. The Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Eno Ikoedem, said the Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, approved the posting of CSP Tomofe Nwabueze as the new Divisional Police Officer with immediate effect.

The police also confirmed that one person was shot by a soldier during the unrest, noting that the incident had been referred to military authorities for investigation.

Meanwhile, tension remains high in other parts of the state following the abduction of eight residents of Imoga community in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area. The victims were kidnapped on Friday night at a hotel along the Imoga–Ibillo Road, with the gunmen initially demanding N100 million as ransom.

The Okpahi of Imoga Kingdom, Oba Patrick Obajoye, said the attackers, dressed in military uniforms, posed as guests before disarming and abducting the victims into the bush. He disclosed that the ransom demand had since been reduced to N70 million, with the abductors insisting that one of the hotel owner’s vehicles be sold to raise funds.

“One of the victims is a woman, and another sustained a gunshot injury while trying to escape,” the monarch said, describing the incident as a severe blow to the community.

The latest abduction comes weeks after two brothers kidnapped along the Adughe-Imoga Road escaped from their captors in November, after the kidnappers reportedly fell asleep during ransom negotiations.