Students of Ambrose Alli University (AAU) on Monday staged a peaceful protest in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State, to demand urgent action over the rising cases of kidnapping and insecurity in the university town.
The protesters said the demonstration was prompted by growing insecurity around Ekpoma, particularly within the AAU community, which they claimed has witnessed repeated abductions in recent weeks.
The protest followed an earlier announcement by students of the institution indicating plans to embark on a mass demonstration to draw attention to alleged kidnappings in and around the university.
According to the protesters, the action was triggered by the recent abduction of a student identified as Akhabhe Favour, as well as an unnamed former students’ union leader of the university.
Addressing journalists during the protest, the leader of the demonstration, Andrew Oziegbe, said the action was aimed at compelling security agencies and government authorities to take decisive steps to address the worsening security situation in the area.
He described the response of relevant authorities as inadequate, warning that continued inaction could further endanger students and residents.
“We are protesting peacefully to draw attention to the persistent insecurity in this community. Students and residents are living in fear, and this cannot continue,” Oziegbe said.
However, the management of Ambrose Alli University distanced itself from the protest, insisting that those involved were not students of the institution.
In a statement issued by the Principal Assistant Registrar and Head of Information, Protocol and Public Relations, Otunba Mike Ade Aladenika, the university said it neither authorised nor endorsed the protest.
“The individuals involved in the protest are not registered students, members of the University Students’ Union Government, nor are they affiliated with the institution in any capacity,” the statement said.
Aladenika warned that any unauthorised actions would be met with appropriate measures, adding that the university would take steps to protect its interests and maintain order.
