Adedapo Adesanya
By Adedapo Adesanya
The Edo State Government has announced the imposition of a 24-hour curfew across the state following the escalation of protests against police brutality in the state.
The curfew is to take effect from 4:00 pm today, October 19, 2020, till further notice.
This was announced by the secretary to the state government, Mr Osarodion Ogie, who explained that the imposition of the curfew was due to the incidents of vandalism and attacks carried out by hoodlums who hijacked the peaceful #ENDSARS protests.
“This decision has become necessary because of the very disturbing incidents of vandalism and attacks on private individuals and institutions by hoodlums in the guise of the #ENDSARS protests.
“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,” Mr Ogie said.
Schools and businesses are to shutdown activities accordingly following the announcement.
Those who cannot move safely are advised to stay put between now and 4:00 pm till calmness is restored.
Suspected hoodlums had on Monday morning hijacked the #EndSARS protests in Benin City and some had reportedly exchanged fire with security operatives at the Maximum prison in Benin City. Videos of citizens chanting and creating chaos are circulating on social media.
It was gathered that at the prison in Benin City, the hoodlums released inmates, forcing the state government to impose the movement restriction in the state.
