By Uche Mbah
The Edo state governor, Godwin Obaseki, has declared a 24 hour curfew following the breaking of the Edo state prisons, and release of prisoners by some hoodlums.
According to the governor, this is to prevent a breakdown of law and order.
But the Prison break, according to sources, happened without any destruction of prison facilities. It was also alleged that security officials were conspicuously absent, fuelling speculations that it may have been an inside job.
On his verified Twitter handle, Governor Obaseki said the decision became necessary because of incidents of vandalism.
“The Edo State Government hereby imposes a 24-hour curfew across the state till further notice”, he said.
“The curfew is to take effect from 4 pm, today, 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 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.
The Twitter release was signed by Signed Osarodion Ogie, Secretary to the State Government, Edo State.
Viral videos of youths cooking in the middle of the Lagos-Benin expressway surfaced online as part of the protest.
At the time of writing this, it was not known how many prisoners escaped, or if any of them who escaped has returned.
With Additional Reports by Akinwale Kasali
