By Ayodele Oni
Edo State Government has shut down schools and businesses over the #EndSARS protest.
And, in a first since the #EndSARS protest began, a Prison facility has been broken into, triggering another first – the imposition of a curfew in a state, Edo.
Some hoodlums broke down the walls of Oko prison located at Benin-Sapele road, setting inmates free.
Eye witness accounts said the hoodlums, who were in large numbers, gained access into the prison through a perimeter fence.
The number of inmates who were freed by the hoodlums could not be ascertained as of the time of filing this report.
Edo State Government has imposed a 24-hour curfew across the state till further notice.
According to a statement signed by secretary to the state government, Osarodion Ogie, 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.”
