Protest: Arrest those blocking major roads – Edo govt orders police

The Edo State Government has ordered security agencies to arrest members of #EndBadGovernance protesters found blocking major roads, obstructing vehicular traffic and extorting motorists.

Chris Osa Nehikhare, the Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, made the call on Sunday in a statement made available to newsmen in Benin City.

Nehikhare said any person arrested would be made to face the full weight of the law.

According to him: “We would like to sound a note of warning to hoodlums and criminals who would want to take advantage of the protest to cause mayhem, that security forces have been mandated to apprehend and arrest anyone caught disrupting public peace or perpetrating crime of any kind.

“We have received information that some persons have taken to blocking major roads, obstructing vehicular traffic and extorting motorists. Security persons have been mandated to round up all those involved in such criminal activities as they would be made to face the full weight of the law.”

He said the state government commended protesters in the state on their peaceful conduct during the nationwide protests.

He also added that the protesters have carried themselves responsibly in expressing themselves and letting their voices be heard on the state of affairs in the nation.

The commissioner opined that in the last four days, the protesters have shown to be law-abiding, bonding with men of the Nigeria Police Force, NPF, and other security agencies who were on hand to ensure that law and order are maintained during the demonstrations.

He enjoined law-abiding members of the public to go about their lawful businesses without fear, as government will continue to work to ensure growth and progress of the state.