TheCable

Some of the persons protesting against police brutality in Edo state lost their lives during an attack by hoodlums.

The #EndSARS protest, which started last week, has spread to different parts of the country.

On Friday morning, protesters hit the streets of Benin, capital of Edo, to demand an end to police brutality.

However, they were attacked by suspected hoodlums.

Godwin Obaseki, the governor, said some persons lost their lives in the incident.

In a statement, Crusoe Osagie, his media aide, issued on his behalf, Obaseki asked the police to provide adequate security for the protesters.

“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,” Osagie quoted him to have said.

“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.”

Protesters were attacked in Lagos and Abuja on Thursday.

To prevent further attacks, organisers of the protest in Lagos hired private security guards.