Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Udom Emmanuel has announced a 15-hour curfew after violence erupted over the alleged shooting of an EndSARS protester by a personnel of the Nigerian Correction Service on Thursday evening, October 22.
The Commissioner for Information, Ini Ememobong, stated that the curfew was expected to last till midday on Friday.
“Due to the violent manifestations of some persons masquerading as #EndSARS protesters trying to create chaos this evening, in Uyo, the capital city of Akwa Ibom state, the Governor of Akwa Ibom state, Udom Emmanuel has declared a curfew effective 9 pm, Thursday, 22nd October,2020 till midday tomorrow, Friday, 23rd October, 2020,” Ememobong said in a statement.
“This action is taken to protect lives and property of citizens and the restoration of Law and Order in our state. Within the period of this curfew, there will be an absolute cessation of movement, except for essential service providers, who must show a valid means of identification. We urge all law abiding citizens to stay at home during the period of this curfew.” he added.
The protesters numbering hundreds had on Thursday, marched around major streets in Uyo while blocking the popular Ibom plaza. Motorists approaching the plaza had to take alternative routes within the city.
It was gathered that trouble started when the protesters attempted to prevent a prison van from passing through the plaza.
According to eyewitness report by BusinessDay, the deceased jumped into the moving van and the warden allegedly pulled the trigger in defence. The victim was rushed to a hospital by the protesters but he died on the way.
To show their displeasure, they took the corpse to Akwa Ibom State Government House but they were repelled by security forces.
The protesters went back, regrouped and set some houses ablaze including Anchor insurance House where the incident happened. It was further learnt that the some parts of Access bank building located along Barracks road was set on fire.
Some hoodlums were said to have used the opportunity to unleash mayhem and escalate the crisis to other areas. Motorists and pedestrians were stranded as many roads were blocked and wild fire set on them.
Along the barracks road where the Governor’s office is located, the protesters started hauling stones and attacking government vehicles and private businesses.
“It was generally peaceful before the protester was shot, there has been reinforcement involving soldiers and the police,” a source told BusinessDay
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