Following the hijacking of #ENDSARS by some hoodlums resulting in arson, looting and robbery, five more Nigerian states have joined in imposing a 24-hour curfew.
The states are Ekiti, Ondo, Osun, Imo, and Plateau. Edo and Lagos had already imposed curfew.
The Ekiti State government has declared a 24-hour curfew in the state, saying that the #ENDSARS protest against police brutality has been hijacked by some hoodlums.
The government stated in a statement signed by the secretary to the state government, Biodun Oyebanji on Tuesday.
“Government is concerned that if this state of affairs is allowed to continue unabated, it will lead to a breakdown of law and order thereby threatening the well-being of the people of Ekiti State.
“For the purpose of clarity, Government continues to show understanding and responsiveness to the demands of the legitimate protesters,” the statement read.
Ondo Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, has also imposed a 24-hour curfew on the state from 12 a.m on Wednesday till further notice, due to the ongoing nationwide #EndSARS protest.
Mr Akeredolu, who gave the directive in a statewide broadcast on Tuesday, however, exempted those on essential duties from the curfew.
News Agency of Nigeria reports that Nigerians, especially the youths, have taken to the street in protest over violations of human right and alleged extra judicial killing by Police personnel, specifically the State Anti-Robbery Squad, SARS.
He said all bars, banks, shops, petrol stations, shopping malls, markets, motor parks and all public spaces were to comply with the directive forthwith except those on essentials services.
The governor, who directed security agencies to ensure compliance and stand firm in the defence of the people, advised all parents and guardians to ensure that their wards were kept in their homes.
“Pieces of news emanating from our neighbouring states are somewhat disturbing.
“It is obvious that certain elements have hijacked the agitation originally meant to correct the manifest wrongs for which the operatives of the defunct SARS are accused.
“Our state has not experienced this ugly trend and it is our belief that the good people of the state will continue to display the same level of patriotism as the problem is not local.
“The government is looking seriously into all these issues with a view to resolving them and giving our youths confidence.
“This administration has the obligation to protect all citizens, including the youths. It will not shy away from its responsibility in this regard.
“I admonish all citizens and residents of our great state to discourage violence and disturbance of peace throughout the state,” he said in the broadcast.
Moreover, Governor Gboyega Oyetola, of Osun has declared a 24-hour curfew on the state, effective from 11:59 pm (today), until further notice.
Oyetola said the curfew followed the dangerous dimension the EndSARS protest had assumed across the country, particularly in the South West states.
A statement issued on Tuesday in Osogbo by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr Wole Oyebamiji, quoted the governor as saying with the curfew imposed, there will be no movement throughout the state.
After the death of three persons, Solomon Lalong, Plateau State governor, has imposed a 24-hour curfew in the state.
The governor gave the directive on Tuesday in Jos, the state capital, following the breakdown of law and order in the city.
The curfew is to take effect from 8:00pm today, October 20, 2020, till further notice.
Lalong made this known in a statewide broadcast, saying, “All forms of protests are hereby banned in the two local governments areas in Jos.
“Government has watched closely these protests which are normal in a democracy that guarantees the rights of citizens to ventilate their grievances over any matter.
“However, it is rather unfortunate that in the past few days, the #ENDSARS protests which began peacefully has gradually degenerated to the situation where hoodlums have attacked and molested innocent citizens who are going about their normal businesses.
“This development took a new turn on Tuesday 20th October, 2020 when the protests led to the killing of three people, destruction of properties, cars and looting of business premises along the Ahmadu Bello way as well as the burning of a place of worship along Gyero Road in Bukuru.
“Based on this scenario, I summoned an emergency security council meeting to evaluate the situation and take decisive actions to stop further escalation.
“Having received briefing from security agencies and after a careful assessment of the situation, government is left with no choice than to impose a curfew to stop further loss of lives and properties.
“Security agencies have been directed to ensure that the curfew is enforced as defaulters will be arrested and prosecuted.”
Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo state has imposed a 24-hour curfew following the violent dimension the #ENDSARS protest had taken. The governor, in a late evening
10:07:05 PMJude Aguguo Owuamanam, OwerriGovernor Hope Uzodimma of Imo state has imposed a 24-hour curfew following the violent dimension the #ENDSARS protest had taken.The governor, in a late evening broadcast said that the curfew takes effect from 12 midnight of Tuesday, adding that by this development nobody is expected to be on the streets both day and night.
#Endsars: 2 killed, police station razed as Makinde closes schoolsHe said that the action was necessitated by “recent developments in the country and the attendant attempt by unpatriotic elements in our state to buy into it to ignite social unrest in the state.”
He expressed displeasure that the legitimate demands of the youth mainly for the scrapping of the special police unit known as SARS because of the alleged brutal tactics employed by them in dealing with members of the public, had been hijacked by hoodlums.
He said, “I personally addressed the protesting youths in Owerri and assured them that my government will not support any form of police brutality against our people. I also gave them my word that I will lend my support for a refined police force that will treat citizens with dignity and respect.
