Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has issued a strong condemnation of the Federal Government and Edo State authorities following the arrest and remand of 52 individuals in Ekpoma. He described the state's response to protests over insecurity as an "intolerant and heavy-handed" assault on constitutional rights.
From Peaceful Protest to Violent Unrest
The incident began with a demonstration in Ekpoma, located in Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State. The protest was initially a peaceful outcry against a surge in kidnappings. This included the recent abduction of Akhabhe Favour and the killing of a young man on 9 January 2026.
However, the situation later escalated into violence. Reports confirmed incidents of looting at a local livestock market and the vandalization of the palace of the Onojie of Ekpoma.
Clashing Narratives: 'Sponsored Riot' vs. Civic Expression
In a detailed statement released on Tuesday, 13 January 2026, Atiku Abubakar criticized the President Bola Tinubu-led administration. He accused it of suppressing civic expression while failing to secure communities.
"The level of intolerance and high-handedness of the Bola Tinubu administration is concerning," Atiku stated. He argued that the judicial validation of the right to protest should protect citizens from repression when they voice grievances.
Atiku called for the "immediate and unconditional release" of those detained. He added, "If the energy with which innocent students and citizens are arrested… were deployed to fighting terrorism and banditry, instead of negotiating with the criminals, our communities would be safer."
The Edo State Government, however, presented a sharply different account. Chief Press Secretary Patrick Ebojele, speaking for Governor Monday Okpebholo, dismissed the unrest as a "well-organised riot sponsored by a Nigerian resident in Russia and other locations overseas."
The government insisted those arrested were not students but "rioters" intercepted while attempting to vandalize the Ambrose Alli University (AAU) campus. Officials clarified that AAU was closed and students had vacated hostels long before the incident.
Judicial Stand-off and Security Reorganisation
The 52 suspects were arraigned on Monday before Justice William Aziegbemi of the Benin High Court. They faced charges including armed robbery, arson, and malicious damage.
The hearing stalled when Justice Aziegbemi ruled he lacked jurisdiction over the matter. He directed the defence to file bail applications at the Ubiaja High Court. Consequently, the suspects were remanded at the Ubiaja Correctional Centre until 26 February 2026.
In response to the unrest, the Edo State Police Command redeployed the Divisional Police Officer of Ekpoma, CSP Tomofe Nwabueze, with immediate effect. Commissioner of Police Monday Agbonika also announced a reorganisation of the Ekpoma Division to improve security.
The disturbances have led the Edo State Government to postpone the resumption of schools in Edo Central Senatorial District to ensure student safety.
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan joined Atiku in his criticism, rebuking the state for "stifling legitimate civic participation." She insisted that "dialogue, not detention, is the pathway to peace," urging the state to confront the worsening security situation directly.
