Since the intensity of the #EndSARS protest has grown beyond expectations, some oppositionists have employed several means in an attempt to end it and deter protesters from the goal. To mention a few strategies; vandalism, attacks targeted towards protesters, demolitions of public institutions, social media distractions, propaganda are examples of such ploys. And just when we thought it couldn’t get any worse, we wake up to news about a reported prison break in Edo State.
News reports indicated that suspected hoodlums allegedly attacked the correctional centre along Sapele Road in Benin, Edo, releasing prisoners from the facility on Monday, 19 October. It was gathered that the hoodlums initiated the attack as early as 7 AM and broke a part of the wall of the facility, while some climbed the fence into the prison yard to free the inmates.
Videos of he supposed breakout circulating on social media has gotten Nigerians reacting, with many speaking harshly on the incompetence of the leadership in Edo. And of course, the subtle theory that it all appears planned out, for the purpose of branding the protest in Edo as violent.
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Prisoners are escaping from oko prison Benin
#EndSARS #EndPoliceBrutalityinNigera #EndBadGovernanceinNIGERIA pic.twitter.com/9CATdz2auE— E-zrael Ani #EndSARS (@EzraelAni) October 19, 2020
Following the report, Edo Governor, Godwin Obaseki immediately placed the state in a 24-hour curfew. Governor Obaseki was not the only one to give a speedy reaction to the events. The Nigeria Police Force also reacted to the report on social media and sent out a series of tweets condemning the actions of the said hoodlums.
The Force is doing everything possible at the moment to bring the situation under control, protect lives of innocent citizens and prevent further attacks on any other critical infrastructure in the state.
— Nigeria Police Force (@PoliceNG) October 19, 2020
While this is a serious concern, Nigerians however, are finding it difficult to accept that these ‘hoodlums’ acted alone. For many, it’s a classic case of ‘for the greater good’ with those opposing the protest. If Nigerians are right with their assumptions, it only shows how bad the Nigerian government is and how far they will go to ignore any call that attempts to hold them accountable for their bad actions as the #EndSARS protest is doing.
Here are a few reactions:
From what I’ve seen, the prisoners in Benin escaped without any resistance from inside the prisons.
Infact the wardens are just nowhere to be found. This is clearly an inside job.
Before media houses twist the story,
Let it be clear that Benin prisons chose to let this happen.— #OurFavEndSARSDoc ????? (@DrOlufunmilayo) October 19, 2020
Staged. It’s all part of a ploy to pain peaceful protesters as enemies of the state and play into the ‘insurrection’ narrative. Expect the media to follow up with headlines like “protesters in Benin release prisoners as part of their plan to #EndSARS as protests turn violent.” https://t.co/6P0dm5Qe6M
— ULOMA (@ulxma) October 19, 2020
I find it worrying that you only need “thugs” to free prisoners in Nigeria. It is an indictment on everyone involved with prison administration and safety in the country. #ENDSARS
— JJ. Omojuwa (@Omojuwa) October 19, 2020
Just heard from a reliable source that the people that attacked Edo state prison to free prisoners are thugs hired by the government.
Please spread the word and let the world know that #EndSARS protesters have NO hand in this.
— Obi Of Onitsha?? (@Uncle_clique) October 19, 2020
While they're protesting in Benin,they won't focus on us,so….
*We set up an internal panel that will release the prisoners*Get some thugs to join the released inmates to confuse them.
*Get the same thugs to join protesters and cause chaos
*Then we attack them all#EndSARS pic.twitter.com/kuwNlS2CZC
— Alhaji Beardless Smallie??♀️?? (@SMiTHiE___) October 19, 2020
Michael is a dynamic writer who is still exploring the nuances of life and being human. When I’m not writing, I’m out with friends or spending nice time alone watching movies or TV Shows.
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