In Akwa Ibom state, UKO ETIM reports that what was initially a peaceful ENDSARS protest turned violent following the death of some persons.
The continued nationwide protest against the defunct Special Anti-Robery Squard, (SARS) took a new twist in Akwa Ibom state as protesters threw the peaceful protest into an orgy of violence.It was reported that the country has lost over 700 billion naira to the protest just as some business owners are still counting losses in the hands of hoodlums.
Immediate causes
Uyo, the Akwa Ibom state capital was suddenly gripped with fear as shops as well as other businesses were buggled when an EndSARS protester was reportedly shot dead.The unidentified EndSARS protester was allegedly killed along Barracks road leading to the Government House while trying to block prison service van that was returning to the station.Blueprint correspondent that witnessed the event recalled that the remains of the protester was laid on the street, a development that attracted many people to the scene. Some were seen screaming, some were sympathising while others were shedding tears.An eye witness who did not mention his name explained that, “The protesters attacked a prison van that was returning to the Correctional Service Centre with stones and it could be that out of self defense a prison service personnel who was at the back of the van fired an killed one of the protesters.”In the same vein, a non protester whose name could not be ascertained was allegedly knocked down by a vehicle who ran across the road without observing the road on hearing police siren.It was gathered that the victim died on the spot along Itam Market in Uyo metropolis.Additionally, a non protester whose name could not be identified was reportedly killed at Udo Udoma Round-about; although the cause of his death could not be immediately ascertained because of the tensed atmosphere.DamageBlueprint reports that the death of the protester sparked widespread violence in Uyo metropolis, commencing from Barracks Road, also known as Willington Bassey Way, where a vehicle at parked in front of an insurance company was burnt and properties destroyed just as Access Bank premises along the street also came under attack.Along the line, Zenith Bank, First Bank and Access bank Automated Teller Mechines (ATM) points were attacked with stones along Aka road untill security personnel arrived the scene.Blueprint reports that although the protesters tried to set Aka road branch of Access Bank ablaze, the fire was put off with an extinguisher by a staff of the bank who was hiding behind the premises untill the arrival of military personnel.A police van parked at the Zenith Bank premises, Aka road branch was destroyed after the protesters pulled down the gate and window glasses of the bank were destroyed with stone.It was also gathered that the protesters burnt down Akwa Ibom Broadcasting Corperation (AKBC) head office along Udo Udoma including three vehicles parked in front of the premises.They protesters also tried to set ablez the APC secretariat at Ikot Ekpene road but fire did not engulf the building, the hoodlums, however, took advantage of the violence to break into shops and loots items meant for sales.
Looting spree
They also broke into phone shops around University of Uyo campus roundabout at about 6:30pm and carted away phones, laptops and other valuables. They also broke into a boutique shop in the same axis and stole suite wears, pairs of jeans, shirts, quality shoes as well as other valuables. Blueprint also reports that the hoodlums broke into an electronic shop (LG shop) along Ikot Ekpene road and made away with brand new air-conditioner sets, televisions, refrigerators, and other quality valuables. All these were before the state government imposed a two-day curfew to contain the violence. In a statement signed by commissioner for information & strategy, Comrade Ini Ememobong, the state urged all citizens to stay at home within the period of the curfew except those on essential duties.It reads: “Due to the violent manifestations of some persons masquerading as #EndSARS protesters trying to create chaos in Uyo, the capital city of Akwa Ibom state, HE the governor of Akwa Ibom state, Mr Udom Emmanuel has declared a curfew effective 9pm Thursday, 22nd October, 2020 till midday Friday, 23rd October, 2020.”This action is taken to protect lives and property of citizens and the restoration of law and order in our state. “Within the period of this curfew, there will be an absolute cessation of movement except for essential service providers, who must show a valid means of identification.”We urge all law abiding citizens to stay at home during the period of this curfew.”
