There is serious apprehension as Edo State Police Command commenced investigation into alleged protest in Benin City by some aggrieved citizens which turned violent and led to the destruction of notable government properties around King’s Square in the State.
An eye witness alleged that the protest was organized by those whose shops were destroyed during expansion road construction along the popular airport road by the state government.
The eye witness who asked for anonymity said they embarked on the protest to inform the honorable members of assembly the continued refusal by the state government to compensate them as it promised during the road construction work.
He further revealed that the protesters went violent and destroyed many government properties around the King’s Square because they were dissatisfied and irritated by the response of the honorable member that addressed them.
He said, “Edo State government destroyed our shops because of road expansion work along airport road and he promised to compensate us but up till now the government has refused to march action with its words.
Now, we marched to Edo State House of Assembly to relay our grievances and getting here now the honorable member who addressed us did not say anything reasonable. That is why the protesters went violent and started destroying government properties there”.
Meanwhile, Edo State Police Command has identified some people who it alleged motivated the violent protest and have been served invitation letters to come to their office for thorough interrogation.
According to a list of paper of the people invited by the command, dated May 9, 2016 and signed by DSP Adebowale Akingbade, Criminal Investigation Department made available, include: Joseph Osahon (smally), Osarugiagbon Fred (welder), Chuks Ebere (boutique owner), Stella Okoro (tailor), Frank Omoregbe (restaurant owner), Ogie Francis (newspaper vendor), Cecilia Ebiam (fruits vendor) among others.
The official paper also noted that, “necessary resources will be deployed to arrest and prosecute accordingly anyone that refused to honour their invitation letter to their office for interrogation”.
