Obiano imposes 24-hour curfew after violence during #EndSARS protests

Willie Obiano, governor of Anambra, has imposed a 24-hour curfew in the state amid the ongoing #EndSARS protest.

In a state address on Thursday, the governor said he took the decision to forestall further breakdown of law and order.

The curfew takes effect from 8pm on Thursday.

TheCable had reported how the police opened fire to disperse #EndSARS protesters who converged on the headquarters of the disbanded special anti-robbery squad (SARS) in the Awkuzu area of the state.

On Wednesday, suspected hoodlums had also razed the Nnewi central police station and two persons were feared dead during the incident.

Protesters reportedly set up bonfires on Thursday across major streets in the state, while banks, schools, markets and offices have been closed.

Obiano, however, warned law enforcement agents that have been deployed to enforce compliance to resist applying excessive force while attempting to bring the situation under control.

“I am compelled to address you today by the growing tension across the country ignited by recent efforts by Nigerian youths to ask for a better Nigeria. While our beloved state remains largely safe and isolated from the boiling sea outside, we have also recorded a few unpleasant incidents in our domain and there is justifiable anger in the land. But we cannot give it a chance to consume us all,” he said.

“Consequently, we are taking precautionary steps to prevent further descent to lawlessness in Anambra state by imposing a 24-hour curfew with effect from 8pm today until we bring this rising tension under control.

“Therefore, all schools and markets in Anambra state are hereby closed. All gatherings by groups and associations under any name or label from 8pm are banned. The law enforcement agencies in the state have been duly directed to enforce compliance.”