Headlines
#EndSARS: Edo govt imposes 24-hour curfew as 2 killed in prison break
BY NICHOLAS ABE
Edo Government has imposed a 24-hour curfew across the state until further notice.
This follows an outbreak of violence by hoodlums who hijacked the peaceful #EndSARS protest in Benin to unleash mayhem on the state, including storming the Correctional Centre to free several inmates.
Two people were reportedly killed in the prison break, according to Daily Trust.
Secretary to Edo State Government, Osarodion Ogie, in a statement said the curfew will take effect from 4pm on Monday.
He said: “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 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 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.”
READ: Hoodlums kill one #EndSARS protester in Edo, govt orders manhunt
The hoodlums also destroyed and vandalised the High Court 4 located beside the prison.
It was gathered that the hoodlums started gathering along Sapele Road beside the prison as early as 7am, setting bonfires and sending back road users.
They eventually attacked the prison on Sapele road when their number had swelled considerably.
They broke a section of the wall, and others scaled the fence into the prison yard.
An armed squad of prison officials engaged the suspected hoodlums in gun fire which resulted in some persons sustaining injuries.
A few of the inmates were alleged to have escaped with gunshot injuries.
An elderly inmate was recaptured by the officials while walking away like a passer-by.
Meanwhile, at the third junction by Upper, hoodlums were said to have attacked the Ugbegu police station in the area and set it ablaze.
When contacted the public relations officer of Benin Correctional Centre, ASP Aminu said the state comptroller would give a briefing later.