31st July, 2024
By Jethro Ibileke
Ahead of the planned nationwide #EndBadGovernance protest, the Edo State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Funsho Adegboye, has disclosed that protesters in the State would be restricted to certain locations.
He disclosed this on Wednesday evening while briefing journalists on the preparedness of the state government and security agencies to ensure peaceful protest.
Adegboye said the decision was reached at a state security meeting attended by Governor Godwin Obaseki, heads of security agencies and representatives of the protesters.
He disclosed that protesters in Benin, the state capital, would converge at the King Square.
The CP stated that other centres have also be approved in the other Senatorial Districts of the State, namely, Ekpoma and Auchi.
He warned that anyone or groups gathering under the guise of protest outside the designated centres would be treated as criminals.
“Police will protect peaceful protesters because it is their right to express their grieviances. If possible, we will provide water for them.
“There will be no blocking of roads, no coercion and procession. We will be at the venue with ambulance in case of emergency.
“Any body found in other areas not designated for the protest will be treated as common criminals. The police will be decisive,” he said.
The CP added that security operatives have constitute a situation room with leaders of the protest to ensure that hoodlums do not hijack the exercise.
He advised citizens to remain calm, adding that they will be allowed to carry out their lawful businesses.
