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Okpebholo Secures Release of AAU Students Arrested After Protest
AAU students release confirmed as Governor Okpebholo orders dialogue after Ekpoma protest arrests
Students of Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, arrested during a protest against insecurity, have been released from detention following the intervention of Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo.
Also read: Bandit Attacks Kill Six in Benue Communities
The release was confirmed on Thursday in a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Patrick Ebojele, who said the students were freed alongside other detainees earlier remanded at the Ubiaja Correctional Centre.
The students were among 52 persons remanded by a Benin High Court over allegations bordering on malicious damage and armed robbery, arising from a protest that turned violent in Ekpoma last Saturday.
The demonstration, initially described as peaceful, was reportedly hijacked by hoodlums who attacked traders, set tyres ablaze, looted shops and blocked major roads. Videos of the violence circulated widely on social media.
Governor Okpebholo met with the released students and other affected persons during a stakeholders’ engagement at the Government House Banquet Hall, Benin, where he reaffirmed his administration’s preference for dialogue, reforms and institutional rebuilding.
The governor said the violence caused him deep pain, particularly as his administration had prioritised the revival of Ambrose Alli University.
“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,” Okpebholo said.
He disclosed that the university previously operated on a monthly subvention of ₦41 million, which he described as grossly inadequate, while a single consultant allegedly received ₦59 million under the last administration.
Okpebholo said his government increased the institution’s monthly subvention to ₦500 million as part of efforts to reposition the university.
“Since then, it has been about how to revive the school, how to move the school forward and how to reposition it again,” he added.
The governor further revealed that outstanding salary and wage arrears owed to AAU staff stood at about ₦41 billion, assuring that plans were in place to gradually clear the backlog.
Warning against criminal infiltration of student protests, Okpebholo urged students to avoid being used by miscreants and to pursue peaceful engagement.
“Don’t allow yourself to be used. Read your books so that you can be like us,” he said.
Acknowledging the wider security challenges facing Ekpoma and other parts of the country, the governor described insecurity as a collective problem but noted that investigations showed many criminal activities in the area were perpetrated by locals.
He condemned the destruction of property and looting during the protest, calling such actions counterproductive, and assured residents that criminals would not find safe haven in Edo State.
The Commissioner for Education, Dr Paddy Iyamu, commended the governor for facilitating the release of the students and opting for dialogue over force.
Also read: Bandit Attacks Kill Six in Benue Communities
The meeting was attended by Deputy Governor Dennis Idahosa, Chief of Staff Gani Audu, the Minister of Youth, the Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Youth Engagement, and other top government officials.
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The Nigerian Air Force has confirmed that all 25 people aboard its ATR-42 aircraft, NAF 931, died after the aircraft crashed in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State.
The aircraft, which had five crew members and 20 passengers on board, was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when the NAF 931 aircraft crash occurred on Monday, October 5, 2026. Search-and-rescue operations were immediately activated following the accident.
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, described the incident as a deeply painful moment for the Nigerian Air Force and the country, while extending condolences to the families, colleagues and loved ones of those who died.
Aneke assured the bereaved families of the Nigerian Air Force’s full support as they come to terms with the loss.
The Air Force said no survivors had been found and released the names of the five crew members and 20 passengers on board the aircraft.
The crew members were identified as Squadron Leader M.I. Aburime, Flight Captain; Squadron Leader A.P. Man-Ugwueje, Co-pilot; Flight Lieutenant I.S. Bako, Co-pilot; Warrant Officer A. Abubakar, Aircraft Technician; and Corporal H.C. Uguru, Aircraft Technician.
The 20 passengers were Flight Lieutenant T.L. Lazarus; Flight Lieutenant M. Akinloye; Flying Officer I.M. Adeshina; Master Warrant Officer F. Onwuka; Master Warrant Officer B.A. Matini; Warrant Officer F.S. Nuhu; Flight Sergeant R.B. James; Flight Sergeant A.I. Mohammed; Sergeant A.E. Ani; Sergeant S.I. Izibenikien; Sergeant C. Alafuka; Sergeant A.N. Mbadugha; Lance Corporal F.C. Ugwuba; Lance Corporal G.E. Eledan; Mrs Ezeh Nneka; Godstmine Tarabina; Joy Micheal; Sunday Micheal; Ukeme David; and Gideon Omotola.
The latest figure released by the Air Force differs from the initial information provided after the crash. Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo had initially said 32 people, comprising 25 passengers and seven crew members, were aboard the aircraft. The Nigerian Air Force subsequently clarified that the manifest contained 25 people, made up of five crew members and 20 passengers.
The aircraft crashed in a swampy area around Igbokoda, close to a naval base, after air traffic controllers lost contact with it at about 9:13am while it was travelling from Benin to Lagos. The wreckage was later located and rescue teams were deployed to the area.
The cause of the crash has not been established. The Chief of the Air Staff has directed a comprehensive investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the accident.
President Bola Tinubu had also directed the Nigerian Air Force to conduct a thorough investigation into the crash and declared three days of national mourning for the personnel who died. He ordered that national flags be flown at half-mast throughout the country in honour of the victims.
The Air Force said it would continue to provide timely and verified information as the investigation progresses. It also urged members of the public to avoid speculation and the circulation of unverified information, while respecting the privacy and dignity of the affected families.
A condolence register has been opened at the Headquarters of the Nigerian Air Force in Abuja for senior government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, heads of security agencies and other well-wishers who wish to pay their respects and convey messages of sympathy to the families of the deceased and the Nigerian Air Force.
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