The 24-hour curfew imposed by the Edo state government arising from hoodlums infiltration of the EndSARS protest, Tuesday, witnessed partial compliance in the Benin metropolis.
Concerned Nigerian citizens in states across the country are protesting alleged brutality and extortions by operatives of the dissolved Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS)- a unit of the police.
Akpakpava, Ikpoba-hill, Aduwawa, New Benin and M.M way area witnessed volume of human and vehicular movement; even as some shop owners opened for business.
However, banks, schools, eatery spots and other commercial offices were shut in compliance with the government order.
Also, a visit to Sapele and Airport road axis of the Benin metropolis at about 8. AM showed that there was 90 percent compliant as the roads were devoid of human and vehicular movement.
Though the anti-SARS protesters and the criminal elements were off the road as at 9.55 AM, however security operatives saddled with the responsibility of enforcing law and others were nowhere to be found.
A motor parts seller on Igun street who simply identified himself as Chucks said he opened for business because “curfew will not pay my bills”
Secretary to the Edo State Government, Osarodion Ogie Esq. in a statement on Monday had said the curfew takes effect from 4pm, October 19, 2020 across the state till further notice.
The directive came following the invasion of the Benin correctional centre along Sapele road and Oko correctional centre by suspected hoodlums who hijacked the EndSARS protest in the State.
The statement explained that the 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”.
“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.”
Spokesman for the State police command, SP. Chidi Nwabuzor could not be reached for comment.
