Okowa Imposes 48-Hour Curfew, Shuts Schools, To Reopen Nov 2

By Miracle Ogbechie/Abigail Thelma
The Governor of Delta State, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa, has imposed a 48-hour curfew in the state.

The Governor, who spoke during a state broadcast on Thursday, said this decision was made following the incidence of last night’s violent EndSARS protests that resulted in the burning of buildings.

His words: “Last night, some government buildings were burnt in Asaba,”
saying that after, the 48-hour curfew ends, they will review the situation and know what next step to take.

Also, he ordered the closure of all public and private primary and secondary schools, saying that they will remain shut till Monday 2nd, 2020.

Consequently, Deltans were ordered to sit at home except those on very essential services.

He continued: “Following the unfortunate turn of event in our nation, in all my communications in the last two weeks, I have consistently maintained that the EndSARS protest is a laudable one and has drawn national attention and outcry to the brutalities of Nigerians especially the youths who have endured in the hands of the disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS).

ALSO READ:-#END SARS: Youths Stage Peaceful Protest In Okpanam, Commend Okowa For Setting Up Panel Of Enquiry

“I commend our youths for rising to the occasion and organizing themselves in such an impressive manner and spectacular fashion. The nation heard your voices loud and all that now remains is for both the national and sub-national government to take the appropriate remedial measures which includes embarking on total comprehensive reforms to the Nigerian police and our governance systems.

“Unfortunately, unlike what we have seen in the last two weeks, cases of arson, looting and other violent conducts have threatened our peace and security.

“It does appear the ENDSARS protest have been hijacked by some misguided and opportunistic elements. This sad situation threatens to drag the state into chaos and anarchy. It is a clear and present danger that we must stop from happening.

“Following the directives of the National Economic Council, I have inaugurated a Judicial Panel of Inquiry to investigate cases of police brutality in Delta State as well as set up a Victim Support Fund. I am confident that justice will be served and grieving family will be able to have closure when the panel concludes their work.”

He appealed to the youths to remain calm, law abiding and give peace a chance.

According to him, they are committed to writing the wrongs of the past, saying that they need an atmosphere of peace and security to do that.

He frowned at the blocking of roads, burning of buildings and citizens not allowed to go about their activities.

He urged the youths to leave the street, sheathe their swords and await the response of the government, as he called on parents and guardians to ensure that their children are properly accounted for.

He also called on traditional rulers, opinion leaders and others to add their voices to this appeal.

Adding, “it is a time for us to have a rethink. It is the responsibility of all of us to protect our state and we do not want unscrupulous elements, many of whom have come from other states to destroy that which each and everyone of us has labored for.

“The people who caused the crisis of last night are not from Delta State. The protest has given rise to these,” saying that Deltans cannot allow this miscreants from other states to destroy what has been built over time.

Speaking further, he called on the youths to embrace peace and dialogue, as he tasked youth leaders to make themselves available for discussion.