#EndSARS: Edo declares 24-hour curfew as violence erupts

The Edo State Government has imposed a 24-hour curfew across the state until further notice, as hoodlums hijack the ongoing #EndSARS protest across the state.

There was a prison break in the Benin Prison popularly called White House, earlier today, as hoodlums broke into the premises and freed several inmates in one of the cells.

Prisoners escaped as hoodlums attacked the White House prison along Sapele Road in the City.

The armed squad of prison officials engaged the suspected hoodlums in gun fire which resulted some persons sustaining injuries.

Also destroyed was the High Court 4 which is beside the prison where the hoodlums vandalised

The hoodlums started gathering along Sapele Road beside the prison as early as 7 am setting bonfires and sending back road users.

They launched their attack when their number had swelled considerably, broke a part of the wall while some climbed the fence into the prison yard.

A few of the inmates escaped with gunshots while an elderly man was recaptured while walking away like a passerby.

This has led to the state government declaring a 24-hour curfew across the state until further notice.

The Secretary to the State Government, Osarodion Ogie, confirmed this in a statement released on Monday afternoon.

The curfew takes effect from 4 pm, October 19, 2020.

The statement 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 4 pm till calmness is restored.”