Protest: CP lauds Edo protesters on peaceful conduct

The Commissioner of Police in Edo, Mr Funsho Adegboye has commended participants in the nationwide protest for their peaceful conduct in the state.

Adegboye, who addressed the protesters at the Kings Square on Thursday in Benin, said he was impressed by the way protesters peacefully conducted themselves and urged them to sustain it.

The police commissioner distributed water and snacks to the protesters in appreciation of their peaceful conduct.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that organisers of the nationwide protest had announced that it would be held from Aug. 1 to Aug. 10.

The protesters, under a coalition of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), occupied King Square, popularly known as Ring Road in Benin, for the protest.

The protesters arrived at the place, which was the only place designated by the police, as early as 7:30 am.

Members of the coalition erected a podium and musical instruments to express their grievances.

Men of the Police Command in Edo were also at the venue to monitor and provide the necessary security protection.

A combined team of the Nigerian Army, policemen, and armed squad of the Nigeria Correctional Centre were stationed at the Correctional Centre along Sapele Road.

Officials of the Department of State Service were at the corporate headquarters of the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) and the Central Bank of Nigeria.

The adjourning roads around the Ring Road were, however, blocked due to spillover from the road, disrupting vehicular movements.

The roads blocked include the Uselu-Ugbowo-Oluku section of the Benin-Sagamu expressway, Benin-Agbor-Asaba road, and Benin-Sapele road, amongst others.

Commercial activities were grounded as business owners stayed off their posts.

Similarly, commercial banks and other public places such as malls and filling stations were all under lock and key in the city.

A visit to the Edo State Civil Service Secretariat and the State House of Assembly showed that the public institutions were also closed.

At the Edo House of Assembly, armoured personnel vehicles and detachments of policemen were stationed at the entrance and its environs.