The Edo State Government says security agencies in the state have 24 hours to fish out the hoodlums that attacked a group of protesters in the state on Friday.
Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu gave the ultimatum while addressing the protesters.
Recall that some hoodlums bearing dangerous weapons attacked protesters at the popular King’s Square area Friday morning.
One of the protesters was reported killed while many more sustained injuries.
However, the state government said it did not want either the now-defunct Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) or its replacement, Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) in the state.
Shaibu, who recently won reelection, said, “We don’t want either SARS or SWAT in Edo. The second thing is that I have given instructions to the security agencies to fist out those behind the attack.
“The police, Department of State Services (DSS) and others must bring to book those who stoned you, shot at you and the one who killed that young man.
“Some of you sustained injuries; I can see them from here; they have 24 hours to bring them to book.”
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Shaibu said he had ordered the remains of the deceased to be taken to the morgue and he would be given a state burial.
“He will be remembered for being part of the struggle, and by the grace of God, he will never be forgotten.
“When all these reforms must have taken place, it will be on record that he joined the struggle for emancipation. I want to assure you that Edo government believes in your peaceful protest.
“You have been protesting, and nobody has been injured; you have been protesting, with no property destroyed. That is what is called peaceful protest.
“Those miscreants who want to create problem, I can assure you that we will not fold out hands and watch them brutalise any of you. That, I want to assure you. So, please maintain your peaceful protest.”