*We will not watch and allow anarchy in our dear state, says Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State

Isola Moses | 绿帽献妻

The governmental authorities have declared a 24-hour curfew in Lagos State, Nigeria’s economic hub, as violence increased in the course of the widespread protests that have rocked major cities and towns across the country.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, in tweets via his verified Twitter account announced Tuesday, October 20, in Lagos that only “essential service providers and first responders” would be allowed on the street from 4pm (1500GMT).

The governor said: “I have watched with shock how what began as a peaceful #EndSARS protest has degenerated into a monster that is threatening the well-being of our society.鈥�

“Lives and limbs have been lost as criminals and miscreants are now hiding under the umbrella of these protests to unleash mayhem on our state.”

“We will not watch and allow anarchy in our dear state.”

绿帽献妻 reports that anti-Police protests that began 12 days ago over abuses by the security agency鈥檚 banned Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) that have since snowballed dramatically.

Some 18 people have died in the demonstrations as clashes have been reported between protesters and assailants dressed in civilian clothes.

Lagos, a city of estimated 20 million, has been paralysed as crowds have blocked key roads and access to the international airport, report stated.

Witnesses disclosed that a Police station was set ablaze in the Orile Iganmu district of the city Tuesday.

Recall that earlier, businesses were shut, and government offices closed as protesters continue to occupy Alausa in Ikeja, the state capital.

Malls, government offices, and other businesses around Agidingbi, Allen Avenue, and others were shut as protesters occupy the streets, blocking major roads along the business areas.

Dispatch riders can be seen stranded as vehicular activities were restricted due to the activities of the protesters.

Others seized the moment to display cycling and other creative skills on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway as traffic snarl builds.

The Lagos State Government Monday also directed all pupils/students in public and private schools to stay at home following the tension generated by the anti- SARS protests.

Mrs. Folasade Adefisayo, Honourable Commissioner for Education, who issued the directive today, disclosed that safety of the pupils/students, parents, and all staff working in schools is paramount in this critical period in the country.

The Commissioner, however, advised parents and guardians to keep an eye on their wards and not allow them to be used as willing tools in the hands of those who might want to hijack the protests to unleash mayhem on the society.

Meanwhile, Adefisayo encouraged schools to explore other avenues of distance teaching and learning, including the radio, television, and online media as they have been doing during and post-COVID-19 lockdown.

A new date of resumption for all classes will be announced as soon as possible, said the Commissioner.

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