The Governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki has imposed a 24-hour curfew across the state till further notice.
The curfew is to take effect from 4pm, October 19, 2020.
AMILOADED recalls that some suspected hoodlums posing as ENDSARS Protesters stormed Kings Square, Sapele road in Benin City, the capital city of Edo State have broken the walls of the headquarters of the Nigeria Correctional Centre (Nigeria prisons in Benin).
The Hoodlums, after gaining entrance into the prison through the fence, freed inmates in the prisons along Benin Sapele Road, near Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ office.
Also, thehe suspected hoodlums on Monday burnt down the Ugbekun Police Station in Benin City, the Edo State capital.
The incident occurred around 11am on Monday.
The hoodlums also vandalised other properties within the police premises.
First responders including firefighters were yet to be seen at the incident venue as of the time of filing this report.
Meanwhile, in a statement by the Nigeria Police Force on Monday on their official Facebook page confirmed the attacks on Police Facilities – Ugbekun Police Station, Oba Market Police Station and Idogbo Police Post by suspected Hoodlums posing as # ENDSARS protesters in Benin, Edo State, today, Monday, 19th October, 2020.
According to the statement, “The extent of damage cannot be ascertained at the moment but report indicates that the protesters carted away arms and ammunition from the armoury and freed the suspects in custody before setting some of the facilities ablaze.
“The Force is doing everything possible at the moment to bring the situation under control, protect lives of innocent citizens and prevent further attacks on any other critical infrastructure in the state.
“The Force is calling on parents/guardians to prevail on their children/wards to desist from acts of violence under any guise whatsoever.”
Responding swiftly to the incident, in a statement by the Secretary to the State Government, Edo State, Osarodion Ogie Esq on Monday, the Edo state Governor declared the curfew.
“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 #ENDSARS protesters.
“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 shut down 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,” the statement partly read.
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