TheCable

Gboyega Oyetola, governor of Osun, has declared a 24-hour curfew in the state.

The announcement comes 24 hours after a previous curfew was lifted.

According to the governor, the decision was taken after a meeting with security chiefs in the state, as part of efforts to curb the spread of violence.

Following the setup of a judicial panel to hear cases of police brutality — in response to the #EndSARS protests — a previous curfew declared on Tuesday was lifted on Friday.

“The suspension is to allow members of the public approach the panel to make their submissions and to go about their lawful businesses,” a statement issued on Friday had read.

But in a state broadcast on Saturday, the governor said another curfew became necessary following attacks on private and public properties across the state.

On Friday, a warehouse in Ede containing COVID-19 palliatives was also looted.

According to Oyetola, only essential workers who are expected to carry proper identification tags are exempted from the restriction of movement.

“Government notes with huge disappointment, the abuse of the suspension, a day ago, of the 24-hour curfew earlier declared in the state to forestall the breakdown of law and order and protect the lives and property of citizens and residents,” he said.

“It is unfortunate that hoodlums and criminals have taken advantage of government’s action to wantonly loot government and private property, including private business premises and homes in several parts of the state this morning. This is unacceptable and it stands condemned.

“After an emergency security meeting this afternoon, where the whole situation was reviewed and assessed, we came to the inevitable conclusion to declare a curfew. Consequently, I hereby declare a 24-hour curfew across the whole state with immediate effect.

“This inevitable conclusion was reached to avert the continuation of this irresponsible act, especially now that the genuine protesters have suspended their protest earlier today.

“My fellow citizens, the declaration of a 24-hour curfew, which will be indefinite until further notice, is to prevent the current state of anarchy from degenerating into large-scale breakdown of law and order.

“For the avoidance of doubt, there shall be no vehicular (including okada) or human movement during this period. Only those on essential duties will be permitted to move around. These persons too must carry with them proper identification to allow access.

“Violators of the curfew rules shall be prosecuted in line with the extant laws of the state.”

He assured residents of their safety, adding that security operatives had been deployed across the state to maintain law and order “within the precinct of the law”.