Edo Prison Break: ‘Things Degenerated Quickly From Protest To Riot’ – Obaseki’s Aide

Governor Godwin Obaseki’s senior special assistant on social media, Godwin Obinyan, has said the violence that erupted on Monday in Benin, the Edo State capital, started as a peaceful #EndSARS protest. 

Obinyan said the protest turned violent when hoodlums with ulterior motives hijacked it and used the opportunity to free inmates at the Oko medium correctional centre in Benin City. 

The governor’s aide also frowned at people blaming the Edo State Government for the jail break. 

“Pointing fingers at Edo State Government as responsible for Benin Prison Break is firstly hilarious, secondly ridiculous and thirdly a blatant lie. #EndSARS peaceful protest was hijacked by criminals and things degenerated very quickly from protest to riot,” Obinyan said in a tweet.

Meanwhile, following the incident, Governor Obaseki had declared indefinite 24-hour curfew in the state from 4pm on Monday. 

“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,”  the governor said in a statement by the Secretary to the Edo Government, Osarodion Ogie. 

“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 shutdown 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.”