The Government of Edo State has announced the enforcing of a 24-hour curfew across the state with effect from 4:00 pm, today Monday, October 19, 2020, till further notice.
The curfew which announced in a series of tweet posts through the Governor’s official Twitter handle and signed by Osarodion Ogie, the secretary to the state government, The curfew enforcement was due to the incidents of vandalism and attacks carried out by hoodlums who hijacked the #EndSARS protests.
He said “This curfew is coming after suspected hoodlums, hijacked the #EndSARS Protests in Benin City, and attacked maximum security prison in Benin City. The hoodlums were alleged to have exchanged fire with security operatives at the Maximum prison in Benin City and later freed some inmates.
The State Secretary said, “This decision has become important because of the very disturbing incidents of vandalism and attacks on private individuals and institutions by hoodlums in the name of the #ENDSARS protests.
Ogie said “While the government of Edo State respects the rights of its citizens to undertake legitimate protests, it cannot sit and watch hoodlums take laws into their hands to cause mayhem on innocent citizens and the state.’’
He stated by this directive, schools and businesses are to shutdown activities accordingly. Those who cannot move safely are to stay put between now and 4 pm till calmness is restored. Parents are advised to rein in their children, youths, and wards to forestall further breakdown of law and order.’’
The statement reinstated that its responsibility of government is to protect lives and property and maintain law and order and as such anyone found outside in violation of the curfew would be dealt with according to the law.
He further stated that another reason This curfew is coming after suspected hoodlums, on Monday morning hijacked the #EndSARS Protests in Benin City and attacked maximum security prison in Benin City. The hoodlums were alleged to have exchanged fire with security operatives at the Maximum prison in Benin City and later freed some inmates.