● Warns Against Further Acts of Violence
The Commissioner of Police, Edo State Command, CP Mohammed A. Dankwara, has warned against further acts of violence that may lead to further loss of lives and property in the state. This call is coming on the heels of violent protests that took place in Benin City, the state capital, on February 15, 2023, which had led to the destruction of property by hoodlums
The protest was sparked by the Central Bank Naira redesign policy, which resulted in a large number of youths taking to the streets to demand new Naira notes and the collection of old notes by the banks. Unfortunately, the protest, which was hijacked by armed hoodlums, turned violent when the armed hoodlums attempted to attack and gain access into the Benin branch of the Central Bank of Nigeria but 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 to the hospital.
The armed hoodlums who capitalized on the protests attacked, looted, and destroyed several banks and private properties in the state capital. Banks such as UBA, First Bank, Access Bank, Unity Bank, Keystone Bank, Eco Bank, FCMB, Polaris and Zenith Bank were affected, and properties such as ATM machines, windows, generator batteries, and vehicles were vandalized and looted.
The CP, while noting that some of the armed hoodlums have been arrested and would be charged to court immediately in accordance with the law, expresses his deepest sympathies to the Commercial Banks
whose property was destroyed during the protests. He assures the good people of the State that the Police Command and all the security services are doing everything possible to bring the perpetrators of these violent acts to justice.
The CP, therefore, enjoins parents and guardians to caution their wards and children against engaging in acts of violence, as the law will not spare anyone who violates the peace of the state.