BY DAVID EMYA
At least one person is feared dead while no fewer than twenty persons have been seriously injured in a bloody clash between #ENDSARS protesters and suspected hoodlums at the airport road axis of Kings Square also known as Ring Road in Benin City, Edo State of Nigeria.
Five of the end SARS protesters are said to be on danger list in a deadly clash which lasted for over one hour on Friday.
Trouble started when some Ogbe area youth revenue collectors resisted the peaceful protesters from blocking Airport road axis of Kings Square and other adjourning streets leading to the King’s square in order to maintain their revenue collection for the day.
The Ogbe youths who were said to be revenue collectors for Oredo local government, allegedly attacked one of the protesters with planks, irons and bottles to an unconscious state
The deadly clash degenerated to a free for all fight when both sides resorted to free use of fire arms and other dangerous weapons.
The deadly clash which spread to other streets within Ogbe including Adesogbe, Plymouth, Ekpenede Streets and parts of Oba Market street, hindered vehicular and pedestrian activities for hours.
Victims of the attack were moved to Central hospital while the lifeless body of an unidentified middle-age Man was yet to be conveyed to mortuary as at the time of filing report.
Edo Police Spokesman, Superintendent Chidi Nwanbuzor could not be reached as he refused to pick calls.
Some hoodlums took advantage of the bloody clash to loot goods especially food, at Oba Market.
Obaseki condemns attack on ENDSARS protesters in Benin, charges police on adequate security
Meanwhile, Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki has condemned 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.
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.”
