Police stations set ablaze in Rivers, Imo

Three police stations in Rivers and Imo states have been set ablaze by hoodlums.

On Wednesday, an unprecedented degree of violence took over parts of south-west states, particularly Lagos, as police stations were set ablaze.

Deaths were recorded while cars, buildings and other properties were destroyed at different locations.

This development came after soldiers fired at unarmed protesters at the Lekki toll gate on Tuesday.

For about two weeks, Nigerians took to the streets to protest against police brutality under the #EndSARS campaign.

While the protests have been largely peaceful, events in recent days witnessed the protests being hijacked by hoodlums in some states.

Addressing journalists in Owerri, Imo state capital, Orlando Ikeokwu, spokesman of the state police command, said there was an attack on Nworieubi and Orji police stations in Mbaitoli and Owerri North local government areas respectively.

He said the command has commenced action to curtail the spread of violence to other parts of the state.

“The command has swung into action to bring the situation under control, protect lives of innocent citizens, and prevent further attacks on any other critical infrastructure in the state,” he said.

“We urge everyone to embrace peace and remain calm as efforts are in top gear to contain the situation and secure the lives of Imo residents.”

In Rivers, the police confirmed attack on its area command in Oyigbo local government area.

Nnamdi Omoni, spokesman of the state police command, confirmed the incident.

It was also gathered that another police station in Afam, Oyigbo LGA, was attacked by hoodlums.

Following the development, Nyesom Wike, governor of Rivers, declared a 24-hour curfew in some selected areas in the state.

The governor said the protest has been hijacked by hoodlums to unleash carnage and destroy property.

“A 24-hour curfew has been imposed on Mile 1, Mile 2, Emenike, Ikokwu and Iloaubuchi arears of Port Harcourt from 6:30pm today, 21st October, 2020,” he said.

“A 24-hour curfew has been imposed on the entire Oyigbo local government area from 6:30pm today, 21st October, 2020.

“A 24-hour curfew has also been imposed on Oil mill area in Obio/Akpor local government area.

“Security agencies are directed to enforce the curfew with effect from 6:30pm today, 21st October, 2020.”

Lagos, Edo, Ekiti, and Plateau are among states which have also imposed curfew due to cases of violence.