Commissioner of Police in Edo, Mr Mohammed Dankwara on Thursday warned against further acts of violence that might lead to further loss of lives and property in the state.
This is contained in a statement issued in Benin on Thursday by a police spokesman in Edo, SP Chidi Nwabuzor.
The police commissioner’s warning came on the heels of violent protests that took place in Benin on Wednesday which led to the destruction of lives and property.
The protest was sparked by the inability of people to cash their monies in banks following CBN’s cashless policy.
The police commissioner noted that the protest by youths was hijacked by armed hoodlums, and it turned violent as the hoodlums attempted to attack and gain access to the Benin branch office of the CBN.
He added that security personnel on duty responded promptly to the hoodlums, and in the process, two of them were hit by stray bullets and were confirmed dead on arrival at the hospital.
“The armed hoodlums who capitalised on the protests attacked, looted, and destroyed several banks and private properties in Benin.
“Banks such as UBA, First Bank, Access Bank, Unity Bank, Keystone Bank, ECO Bank, FCMB, Polaris and Zenith were affected.
“Properties such as ATM machines, windows, generator batteries, and vehicles were vandalised and looted,’’ he said.
CP Dankwara also noted that some of the armed hoodlums had been arrested and would be arraigned soon.
He expressed deep sympathies for the banks whose property was destroyed during the protests.
He assured residents of Edo that the police and all other security agencies would do everything possible to bring the perpetrators of the violence to justice.
CP Dankwara enjoined parents and guardians to caution their wards and children against engaging in acts of violence as the law would not spare anyone who violates the peace of the state.
