Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State has asked police in the state under the leadership of Mr Johnson Babatunde Kokumo, to provide adequate security for youths protesting police brutality in the state.
Youths across the country have been on the street, asking the authorities to scrap the notorious Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), which was done last Sunday.
A few days later, the Inspector General of Police, Mr Mohammed Adamu, replaced the disbanded police unit with Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT), which the demonstrators have again said should be scrapped.
On Friday, during the protest in Benin City, the Edo State capital, some hoodlums attacked the agitators and this prompted the Governor to react, asking the police to be on the street to protest the protesters.
In a message posted on his verified Facebook page this afternoon, Mr Obaseki condemned the attack, which claimed lives and injured many.
The Governor, while extending his condolences to the victims, said efforts would be made to fish out those behind the attack on the peaceful demonstrators and punish them according to the law.
“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 Police Command in the state 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 in Edo State.
“Thorough investigation would be conducted immediately to fish out the culprits of the attack on peaceful #EndSARS protesters in Benin City, and we would do all possible within the law to ensure those culpable are brought to justice,” Mr Obaseki said.
