Mastermind of Edo protest is based in Russia – Okpebholo
S Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has accused an unnamed Russia-based Nigerian as the mastermind behind the protest in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area of the state, last Saturday. Recall that following the spate of kidnappings in Ekpoma and neighbouring communities, residents and students of Ambrose Alli University, AAU, took to the streets in protest. Security agents got involved, and some of the protesters were arrested, taken to court and detained. An outcry followed. Reacting in a statement on Tuesday, the governor said: “The incident was not a protest, but a well organised riot sponsored by a Nigerian resident in Russia, and other locations overseas. “Security agencies have already identified the masterminds, who contacted several individuals in Ekpoma, proposing sponsoring the organisation of coordinated riots across Ekpoma, Auchi, Irrua and even the Government House, Benin City, with funding from the diaspora.” Also, the statement, signed by Patrick Ebojele,...