The Edo State Government has imposed a 24-hour curfew across the state until further notice.
The curfew is to take effect from 4pm, October 19, 2020 – Monday.
The PRESS had reported that suspected hoodlums on Monday broke into the Benin Prison popularly called White House and freed several inmates in one of the cells.
Apart from the jailbreak, there were reports of vandalisation and alleged attacks on residents in the state.
The government, in a press statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Osarodion Ogie, on Monday, described the development as disturbing.
The statement was titled, ‘Edo govt declares 24-hour curfew’.
It read in part, “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.”
During the jailbreak, armed squad of prison officials engaged the suspected hoodlums in a gunfight which resulted in some persons sustaining injuries.
Also destroyed was the High Court 4 which is beside the prison.
The hoodlums started gathering along Sapele Road beside the prison as early as 7:00 a.m, setting bonfires and turning back road users.
They attacked the prison when more people joined the gathering. They broke a part of the wall while some climbed the fence into the prison yard.
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