A 24-hour curfew has been declared by the Godwin Obaseki led Edo state government. This curfew is to commence from 4pm today, the 19th of October across the state.
According to a statement released by Osarodion Ogie Esq., Secretary to the Edo State Government, this was necessitated as a result of the “the very disturbing incidents of vandalism and attacks on private individuals and institutions by hoodlums in the guise of #ENDSARS protesters.”
The statement continued by stating that “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.”
He further stated that “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 were also advised to “rein in their children, youths and wards, to forestall further breakdown of law and order.”
The statement concluded by noting that 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.”