EndSARS: Protests Rage On In Sapele Despite 48-Hour Curfew

By Paul Olayemi
Protesters in Sapele, Delta State, today, defied Governor Sen Ifeanyi Okowa’s 48 hours curfew to hold new protests against the dreaded Special Anti Robbery Squad, SARS, days after protesters took to the Sapele end of the Benin – Warri highway and a 12 year old protester died after he fell from a truck.

Last night, Thursday, fires were seen burning across the timber town, as residents also reported hearing gunfire across the town especially at the ever busy Olympia area along Oleh road and Okpe road, the gathering point of the protesters.

However, the demonstrators took the protest to another stage when they invaded the popular Memories Superstores along Ajogodo road, carting award goods worth millions of naira.

Sapele Local Government council chairman, Hon Eugene Inoaghan on Friday appealed to protesters, saying the government was doing everything to meet their demands.

He said: “We know how pained the youths are and I can assure you all that the government is doing everything to meet your demands, just give the government some time,” he appealed.

The Senior Special Assistant, SSA, to Governor Okowa on Security matters, Omasan Mabiaku, who addressed newsmen at the scene of the vandalisation said, it was disheartening that genuine protest by youths, has now been hijacked by hoodlums, adding that Sapele was not known for this.

“This is not protest; genuine protesters don’t break into people’s property and loot. What they did is stealing and we condemn this in totally. We are appealing to the youths, parents and guardian to talk to their people,” he said.

Omasan, who is also a Pastor had earlier dispersed some group of protesters at the Amukpe end of the town.

The teacher of God’s Word, Face 2 Face Assembly, Happy Overah also called for peace, urgjng for forgiveness and a chance for the government to act.

“We are appealing to the youths to calm down, let’s not destroy what our brothers has laboured to build; please let’s take things easy, the government has promised to look into their grievances, so let’s be patient and stop the destruction,” Overah pleaded.

One eyewitness, Akporotu Onome, told newsmen that demonstrators stormed the superstore and forced their way in “and thereafter began to loot goods inside the store. People were carting away goods and others were destroying until soldiers came in.”

Another eyewitness, Chika Michael, said some persons were watching outside while others were doing the looting, while a photographer, Matthew Akpeyi said the presence of the soldiers did help to restore peace and secure the place.