Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo state has slammed a 24-hour curfew on the state following a jailbreak in Sapele prison in Benin City, capital of the South South state.
A video of the outbreak has since circulated on social media with inmates making their way to the gate. No correctional officers were seen in sight.
Reacting to the jailbreak, the Secretary to the State Government of Edo State, Osarodion Ogie, explained that there have been vandalism and attacks on private individuals.
A jailbreak in Benin City, Edo state has led to the release of inmates causing the state government to slam a 24-hour curfew pic.twitter.com/UPefF0tCI2
— Chronicle NG (@chronicle_ng) October 19, 2020
“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.
“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.
“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.
He added that, “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.