The #EndSARS peaceful protest in Uyo, the capital of Akwa Ibom State, yesterday degenerated into crisis as people suspected to be hoodlums, hijacked the protest, destroyed properties, and looted shops within Uyo metropolis.

The protesters had on Thursday, October 22, 2020, stormed the entrance of Idongesit Nkanga Secretariat, displacing workers.

Report has it that the protest took another dimension when two persons were shot dead at Ibom Plaza, following an alleged clash between the security agents and the protester who insisted on marching to the Government House.

It was gathered that immediately the protesters were resisted by the security agents, they started destroying properties and shops along Barracks road where government house is located before moving to other places.

In the process, Anchor Insurance building, Akwa Ibom Broadcasting Corporation, AKBC, head office were partially burnt and cars within the premises destroyed.

The protested later moved to Ikot Ekpene Road where De Choice shopping mall, and LG office showroom were completely looted.

• 

• 

To curtail the incident, the State Government through the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Ini Emeobong announced curfew from 9pm October 22, 2020 to 12midnight on October 23, 2020

In a release signed by the Commissioner, the government declared, “Due to the violent manifestations of some persons masquerading as #EndSARS protesters trying to create chaos this evening, in Uyo, the capital city of Akwa Ibom state, HE the Governor of Akwa Ibom state, Mr. Udom Emmanuel has declared a curfew effective 9pm today, Thursday, 22nd October, 2020 till midday tomorrow, Friday, 23rd October, 2020.

“This action is taken to protect lives and property of citizens and the restoration of Law and Order in our state.

“Within the period of this curfew, there will be an absolute cessation of movement, except for essential service providers, who must show a valid means of identification.”

Reacting to the incident, Mr. Felix Effiong, whose office, located at no 34 Ikot Ekpene road was looted, expressed sadness over the incident.

“Is this a protest? Invaders and local looters have destroyed businesses that were barely surviving.

“I have never benefitted from government money in my life, but today I have paid the ultimate price.

“Where do I go from here? My entire investment… my sweat.

“I took loans to start this business, I owe banks, today all have been stolen and vandalized.”

The commissioner for Information and Strategy, Ini Ememobong, who inspected the affected government-owned buildings and corporate organizations, condemned the destruction.

At the corporate office of the Akwa Ibom Broadcasting Corporation, AKBC, on Udo Udoma Avenue, the Commissioner, who was received by the Director General, Pastor Anietie Ukpe, said that the destruction was alien to Akwa Ibom culture and everything the State stands for.

He told Ukpe to take an inventory of items destroyed by the hoodlums and forward it to his office for the information of the governor.

Earlier, Ukpe, who showed the Commissioner round the burnt building and vehicles said the loss was huge.

Other affected buildings and corporate organizations visited by the commissioner included the LG Showroom, Ikot Ekpene Road; De Choice; Access and Zenith Banks, both on Aka Road; Anchor Insurance House, Wellington Bassey Way; FCMB, Oron Road.

Meanwhile, the State Government has extended the curfew till 7am Saturday.

The statement announcing the extension of the curfew is reproduced below:

“PUBLIC NOTICE

EXTENSION OF CURFEW (NOON FRIDAY 23RD OCTOBER, 2020 TILL 7AM SATURDAY 24TH OCTOBER 2020)

Due to developing situations being monitored by the state government and security agencies and the inevitable need to protect citizens and property, based on overriding the public interest, His Excellency, the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Mr. Udom Emmanuel has extended the curfew, which was initially due to expire by noon of 23rd October, 2020 till 7am on Saturday, 24th October, 2020. This curfew has statewide effect.

Expectedly, there will be a total cessation of movement, except for those on essential duties, who must show a proper identification. All law abiding citizens are advised to remain at home, as security agencies have been briefed to strictly enforce this order.

Signed:

Comrade Ini Ememobong

Honourable Commissioner for Information & Strategy

Akwa Ibom State 23102020”