Banks, Schools in Edo shut as EndSARS protests persist

Government and private institutions in Benin City were on Monday closed for the usual business activities as the #EndSARS protest continued unabated in the state.

The protests which took place simultaneously in different parts of the state in Benin metropolis paralyzed all commercial activities both in public and private institutions.

The protests also took place in Ubgiyokho, Ekenwan, Sapele, Upper Sonkpoba, University of Benin (UNIBEN) main gate, Oluku junction, Ramat park, Agbor park among others.

Banks like Polaris, United Bank of Africa (UBA), First Bank, GT Bank, Access bank were all closed for businesses.

Along Ekenwan road, filling stations such as DVD, Valid, Conoil, Danco, Niseki, Oando, Forte Oil among others were devoid of the normal businesses.

All public and private schools were also shut, as well as markets such as Oba, Yanga, Ugbiyokho, and Evbuotubu markets.

Students who were already in their respective schools in the morning were sent home by the various school authorities.

Read also: Youths should link #EndSARS protests to 2023 elections – Atedo Peterside

The ever-busy Ekenwan road, King’s square, and other major roads were all deserted while commercial bus drivers parked their vehicles.

People were seen trekking several kilometres to their destinations.

Journalists were not also left out in trekking several kilometres from their homes to monitor the protest in the city centre.

A traditional ruler who craved anonymity donated the sum of N5000 to support #EndSARS protesters in Ekenwan road.

One of the leaders of the protesters who announced the donation said the money was for them to buy sachet water.

He said the protest was not all about #ENDSARS but for good governance.

He urged President Muhammadu Buhari to listen to the cry of the masses by resigning.

However, the hoodlums in the guise of protesters attacked police facilities in Ugbekun Police station, Idogbo police post in Ikpoba Okha Local Government Area, and Oba market police station in Oredo Local Government Area.

Besides, two young men suspected to be members of the protesters were shot dead in front of the Benin custodian centre after the invasion of the centre.