No fewer than two persons were killed when protesters and hoodlums clashed along Ring Road, Benin, Edo State, during the #ENDSARS protest on Friday.
The hoodlums had stormed the venue of the protest, where they attacked the protesters with machetes and other weapons.
The protesting youths were calling on the government to end impunity and police brutality.
It was learnt that some of the hoodlums, who are tickers in the Ring Road motor park, were angered by the inability to continue with their business since the protest began in the Edo State capital.
Edo State Government, in a statement, confirmed the deaths without giving the number of casualties.
Special Adviser to the Edo State Governor on Media and Communication Strategy, Crusoe Osagie, in a statement titled, ‘Obaseki condemns attack on ENDSARS protesters in Benin, charges police on adequate security’, quoted the governor as condemning the attack on #EndSARS protesters.
He said, “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.”
