In what may be the first step in restoring sanity to Benin, the Edo State capital, the government has declared a 24-hour curfew after thugs hijacked protests form #EndSARS protesters, proceeding to loot shops, attack the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) office there and setting vehicles ablaze.
They also attacked and robbed people on the streets as well as allegedly help set prisoners free from the Benin Prison. Two police stations were also burnt, and detainees set free.
Other highlights include:
▪︎ Oba Market Police Station vandalised, set on fire
▪︎ Oba Market Police Station DPO, Policemen jumped fence to escape death
▪︎ Major Roads in Edo blocked by protesters, hoodlums
▪︎ The roads include: Benin-Lagos road by the bye pass, Ikpoba hill road blocked at Agbor Park road leading to Asaba, Ikpoba hill road blocked at Eyean road leading to Auchi, Sapele road blocked at bypass leading to Warri in Delta State, Ekehuan road by the university second campus, and the main gate of the University of Benin.
The Edo State government said the decision to declare the 24 hours curfew became necessary because of the very disturbing incidents of vandalism and attacks on private individuals and institutions by hoodlums in the guise of #EndSARS protesters.
It adds: “While the government of Edo State respects the rights of its citizens to undertake legitimate protests, it cannot sit idly when hoodlums have taken laws into their hands to cause mayhem on innocent citizens and the state.
“By the directive, schools and businesses are to shutdown activities accordingly. Those who cannot move safely are to stay put between now and 4pm till calmness is restored.
“Parents are advised to rein in their children, youths and wards, to forestall further breakdown of law and order.
“The responsibility of government is to protect lives and property and maintain law and order, therefore, anyone found outside in violation of the curfew would be dealt with according to the law.”