BREAKING: Edo govt declares 24 hours curfew over #EndSARS protests

The Edo State Government has imposed a 24-hour curfew across the state until further notice.

The curfew which was announced in a series of tweets through Governor Godwin Obaseki’s official Twitter handle and signed by the secretary to the state government, Osarodion Ogie, on Monday, October 19, 2020, was due to the incidents of vandalism and attacks carried out by hoodlums who hijacked the #EndSARS protests.

The curfew is to take effect from 4pm, October 19, 2020.

“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 the #ENDSARS protests.

“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 4 pm till calmness is restored. Parents are advised to rein in their children, youths and wards to forestall further breakdown of law and order," the statement read in part.

View the tweet below:

1.

Edo govt declares 24-hour curfew

The Edo State Government hereby imposes a 24-hour curfew across the state till further notice.

The curfew is to take effect from 4pm, today, October 19, 2020.

— Godwin Obaseki (GGO) (@GovernorObaseki) October 19, 2020