Suspected criminals have hijacked the EndSARS protest and freed prison inmates at the Correctional Centre in Benin, Edo state. Some of the video clips obtained by PRNigeria, show how the suspects, mostly young men, in their large numbers invaded the Oko Prison located on Benin-Sapele road, before setting the inmates free. Some of the inmates were seen scaling the high fence and escaping from the facility. There are also reported cases of robbery, looting and raped with an outbreak of violence in the state following the #EndSARS protests. Meanwhile a 24 hours curfew has been imposed by the state government.
In a statement, the Secretary to the State Government, Osarodion Ogie Esq, said the decision 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.
Read the full statement below:
Edo govt declares 24-hour curfew
The Edo State Government hereby imposes a 24-hour curfew across the state till further notice. The curfew is to take effect from 4pm, October 19, 2020.
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.
Signed
Osarodion Ogie Esq.
Secretary to the State Government, Edo State.
