Mr Udom Emmanuel, Governor of Akwa Ibom State.
Abasifreke Effiong – Uyo
Following the attack on public and private property in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State capital on Thursday evening, Governor Udom Emmanuel has urged youths to protect the state against vandals.
EndSARS protesters burnt the corporate office of the Akwa Ibom Broadcasting Corporation and Anchor Insurance PLC, damaged buildings housing banks and looted malls and shops in Uyo.
The state government had declared a curfew which will elapse on Saturday 24th by 7a.m to avert further destruction property and violence following the incident.
READ : Discontinue street protests, Buhari tells youths
In a broadcast on Friday, 23rd October, Emmanuel lauded youths in the state for the resilience they displayed in protecting public and private property during the attack, urging them to keep up.
“Let me commend our youths for the patriotism and resilience they displayed in the protection and defence of our private and Government assets. You all deserve our eternal gratitude and appreciation. You have by such display of fidelity to your State, proved that you are partners in the collective growth and development of our dear State.”
“Our youths are peaceful, they love their State, the progress we have made so far with the resources available to us, and I know I can count on you to continue to defend our State and all that we stand for.”
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The governor while suing for peace in the State said the vandals “spread terror” in the guise of #EndSARS protest.
“#EndSARS is an attempt to stop terror. These vandals came to spread terror. EndSARS wants to stop the brutalization of citizens. These vandals brutalized the good, working people of Akwa Ibom State. EndSARS is about stopping extortion and stealing. These vandals stole and looted. #EndSARS is about peace and constitutionality. These vandals committed arson and horrendous crimes.”
One person identified as Mr Iniobong Lyons, was killed by stray bullet allegedly shot by a policeman who tried to scare away the “peaceful protesters”.
Lyons according to sources was returning home after a church service when he was felled by the police bullet.
The police and Akwa Ibom State Government is yet to speak on his murder.
