Students of Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, who were arrested and remanded at the Ubiaja Correctional Centre over a recent protest, have been released alongside other detainees.
The release was confirmed in a statement released on Thursday by the Chief Press Secretary to Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, Patrick Ebojele.
The students were among 52 persons remanded by a Benin High Court on charges bordering on malicious damage and armed robbery.
They were arrested after a peaceful protest against insecurity in Ekpoma last Saturday turned violent.
Hoodlums reportedly hijacked the protest, attacking traders, setting tyres ablaze and blocking roads, scenes which were captured in viral videos on social media.
Okpebholo met with the released students and other affected persons during a stakeholders’ engagement at the Banquet Hall of Government House, Benin, where he assured them of his administration’s commitment to dialogue, reforms and the development of Ambrose Alli University.
The governor said he was deeply pained by the violence, especially given his resolve to revive the university.
The governor said, “I was highly in pain when I saw what was happening in my place. The day I was sworn in, I said I was going to revive Ambrose Alli University.
“They were paying light bills, water, printing, salaries and everything from ₦41 million, which was not enough for anything at all. But on record, one consultant was receiving ₦59 million under the last administration, while the entire university community was receiving ₦41 million.”
He added that his administration increased the subvention to ₦500m as part of efforts to reposition the institution.
He said, “Since then, it has been about how to revive the school, how to move the school forward and how to reposition it again.”
The governor also disclosed that outstanding salary and wage arrears owed to AAU staff stood at about ₦41bn, noting that plans were underway to gradually offset the debt.
He cautioned students against allowing themselves to be used by criminal elements, urging them to focus on their studies and pursue peaceful engagement.
He said, “Somebody said he is a student, and he protests. What are you protesting for? Don’t allow yourself to be used. Read your books so that you can be like us.”
