Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo has alleged that the January 10, 2026 anti-kidnappings protest by residents of Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area was sponsored by a Russia-based Nigerian and other overseas countries.
DAILY POST reports that Governor Okpebholo made the allegations in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Dr Patrick Ebojele on Tuesday, January 13, 2026 in Benin City.
Okpebholo also alleged that opposition elements, possibly with the foreign backing, are sponsoring the unrest in a bid to discredit the Edo State Government and create chaos.
While dismissing as false and misleading several social media reports surrounding the violent protest, he noted that it was part of a coordinated attempt to misinform the public and destabilize the state.
He alleged that protest was not a protest but a well organised riot sponsored by a Nigerian resident in Russia and other locations overseas.
He said security agencies have already identified the masterminds, who contacted several individuals in Ekpoma, proposing sponsoring the organisation of a coordinated riots across Ekpoma, Auchi, Irrua and even the Government House, Benin City, with funding from the diaspora.
The governor also refuted the claims that those arrested and facing prosecution in connection with the violence were students of Ambrose Alli University, AAU, Ekpoma, or that their arrests were made inside student hostels.
He claimed that AAU is currently on holiday with all students having vacated the hostels long before the incident.
He also alleged that most of the arrests were based on clear evidence, including a video showing acts of violence and destruction, adding that the suspects arrested are rioters, not peaceful protesters.
According to him, the government also emphasised that the incident has no connection whatsoever 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.
Okpebholo, further debunked another viral video circulating online and falsely tagged as a kidnapping incident in Ekpoma, stating that the incident is a gross misrepresentation.
He described the video as part of a deliberate campaign to spread fear, mislead residents and tarnish the image of the administration.
He, however, reaffirmed his commitment to the protection of lives and property, disclosing that the government is working closely with security agencies to maintain law and order across the state.
The governor, while noting that although peaceful and lawful protest is a constitutional right, he added that violence, rioting, vandalism and looting will not be tolerated under any circumstances.
He, however, urged members of the public to ignore fake videos and unverified reports, just as he assured residents of Ekpoma that the situation is fully under control, as peace and normalcy continue to return to the town.
Gov Okpebholo blames Russia-based Nigerian, others for anti-kidnappings protest
