THE #ENDSARS protest took a new dimension on Wednesday night in Asaba, Delta State as it witnessed the first burning of tyres on major roads.
Newsden reports that the protesters set fire on tyres on major streets causing traffic gridlock and at about 9 pm, set fire at the newly constructed park at Koka Junction. It was also reported that office of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) was also set on fire in the town.
In Akure, the Ondo State capital, the protesters razed the A Division police station at Adegbemile junction
In Lagos, office of The Nation Newspaper was also razed by suspected hoodlums operating on motorcycles.
The Editor of the newspaper, Mr Adeniyi Adesina, said, “Armed men on motorcycles invaded the headquarters of The Nation on Fatai Atere Way, Matori, Lagos on Wednesday afternoon.
“In a commando-like manner, they kicked their way into the premises after scaring away security men on duty, brandishing their sophisticated guns.
“They poured petrol on the frontage of the building and set fire to it.
“Some of the vehicles parked within the premises were set ablaze, others vandalised.
“Many boys came thereafter and swooped on the office, looting everything they could lay their hands on.
“These include: desktop computers, laptops, air conditioners and other office equipment.
“At the time of the attack, Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief Mr. Victor Ifijeh, was among those trapped within the office while the fire raged on.
“They were evacuated when men of Operation Mesa security outfit arrived. Their arrival ended the free rein of the invaders.
“It was obviously a targeted attack on the free press. The Nation had been listed on Twitter and other social media platforms by sympathisers of the ongoing destructive activities, as a target of attack.
“The Nation has robustly reported the protests fairly, giving voice to the agitation of youths for a better Nigeria. The Management is at a loss as to why the company should be a target of such unwarranted attack.”
Meanwhile, as the protest rages, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mohammed Abubakar Adamu has ordered the immediate withdrawal of all police officers attached to Very Important Persons (VIPs) nationwide.
The IGP in a police signal dated October 21, 2020 addressed to all zonal commands with reference number: CB:4001/DOPS/SPU/FHQ/ABU/VOL./ORDER AND DIRECTIVES, said, “Inspector-General of Police directs you to withdraw all protect personnel attached to all VIPs, except those attached to Government Houses, Senate President, Speaker, House of Representatives with immediate effect.
“Any commander who violates this order will bear the consequences.
“Any protect personnel found escorting or guarding any VIP with or without firearm is deemed to be deployed by the commander and the commander will be sanctioned.”
