#ENDSARS PROTEST : OBASEKI CONDEMNS ATTACK ON ENDSARS PROTESTERS IN BENIN AS ONE IS CONFIRMED DEAD, MANY INJURED.

 

By Mike ALADENIKA.

 

The #ENDSARS protest turned sour in Benin City Friday as hoodlums violently tackled protesters the Oba palace axis of Kings Square area of the city center in the early hours of the day. 

Reports say at least one person was confirmed dead while no fewer than ten persons sustained varrious degree  injuries  occassioned be by a bloody clash between #ENDSARS protesters and  suspected hoodlums at the airport road end of the Kings Square. 

At least five  of the #ENDSARS  protesters are  said to be on danger list as a result of  the deadly clash which lasted for close to one hour where  dangerous weapons were freely used. 

Trouble was said to have  started when some Ogbe youths revenue  collectors  resisted the  peaceful protesters from blocking Airport road and other adjourning streets  leading to  Kings square in order not to  prevent free revenue collection 

The Ogbe youths who were said to be  revenue collectors for Oredo local government, allegedly attacked one of the protesters with planks and other dangerous weapons to a state of coma.

Meanwhile, Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki has condemned, in strong terms, the attack on #ENDSARS protesters in Benin City by unidentified hoodlums, noting that a thorough investigation would commence immediately to bring the culprits to justice.

The governor, in a statement, charged the Edo State Police Command to come out in full force to provide adequate security to the protesters, as they were exercising their rights as concerned citizens of Nigeria.

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According to him, “I have just learnt that hoodlums have attacked #ENDSARS protesters, who have conducted themselves peacefully in Benin City. I extend condolences to the victims of the attacks, including those who lost their lives and others who were injured by the thugs.

“It is disheartening that anyone would attack a peaceful assembly of young people who are expressing genuine concerns over police brutality and intimidation in their own country.

“I hereby call on the Edo State Police Command to get out on the streets and provide adequate security for the protesters and ensure that no one is harassed in the course of exercising their rights.”

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