#EndSARS: Soldiers deployed in Uyo as govt imposes curfew

The Akwa Ibom State government, Thursday night, declared a curfew in the state following attacks on public and private properties by hoodlums.

A building, Anchor Insurance building, at Wellington Bassey Way, was set on fire by the hoodlums.

PREMIUM TIMES reported how hoodlums set up bonfires in the afternoon to barricade a major road in Uyo.

The hoodlums ran into adjourning streets when the police and other security officers arrived at the scene of the incident.

Later at night, an army truck and a handful of soldiers were seen strategically stationed at Ikot Ekpene-Ikpa Road junction. Passersby were made to raise their two hands above their head, as they walked past where the soldiers were.

“They didn’t harass people, they were only beaming the flashlight on us as we walked past them,” one resident told PREMIUM TIMES.

Police and other security agencies have been patrolling the city.

“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, Mr. Udom Emmanuel has declared a curfew effective 9p.m. today, Thursday, 22nd October, 2020 till midday tomorrow, Friday, 23rd October, 2020,” the commissioner for information in the state, Ini Emembong, 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,” the commissioner said.

Hoodlums in different parts of Nigeria have been attacking public and private properties as a fallout of the #EndSARS protests.

The #EndSARS protests, which began nearly two weeks ago, seek an end to police brutality in the country, among other institutional reforms.

Besides Akwa Ibom, other states in Nigeria have imposed curfews to curtail the loss of lives and properties.