[Video]: Hoodlums Break Jail In Benin, Set ‘Many Prisoners’ Free, As Obaseki Impose 24-hours Curfew

A jail break has been reported in Benin, the Edo state capital.

BIGPEN reports that several prisoners escaped from the correctional centre in Benin, during the chaotic #EndSARS protest in the state.

The #EndSARS protest became violence since Sunday after some suspected hoodlums were said to have hijacked the exercise.

Eyewitness disclosed that some hoodlums broken down the walls of Oko prison located on Benin-Sapele road, setting inmates free.

The witness said the hoodlums, who were in large numbers, gained access into the prison through a perimeter fence.

According to report, Edo State Police spokesman, Chidi Nwabuzor, said he would not be able to entertain questions at the moment because the police were planning an actions to carry out.

The number of inmates who were freed by the hoodlums could not be ascertained as of the time of filing this report.

Meanwhile, Governor Godwin Obaseki has declared a 24-hour curfew in the state.

The governor announced this in a statement by Osarodion Ogie Esq. Secretary to the State Government on Monday.

“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.

“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”