By Charles Maduka
Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has said sponsors of the recent protest in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area, have been identified, insisting that the incident was not a peaceful demonstration but a coordinated riot.
The governor said investigations revealed that the protest was allegedly sponsored by a Nigerian resident in Russia and other locations abroad, with funding traced to individuals in the diaspora. He added that the plan was aimed at causing unrest and discrediting the state government.
In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Patrick Ebojele, Okpebholo said there were strong indications that opposition elements, possibly with foreign backing, were behind the unrest as part of a wider attempt to misinform the public and destabilise Edo State.
According to the statement, security agencies have identified the masterminds who reportedly contacted individuals in Ekpoma to organise coordinated riots across Ekpoma, Auchi, Irrua and even the Government House in Benin City. It added that those arrested were intercepted while allegedly on their way to vandalise property, while others were identified from viral videos showing acts of arson.
The government stressed that the suspects arrested were rioters and not peaceful protesters, adding that the incident had no connection with students or the National Association of Nigerian Students. Residents of Ekpoma were assured that the situation was under control, with peace gradually returning, and were urged to ignore fake videos and unverified reports while going about their lawful activities.
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