- Anchor Insurance Company, Access Bank Vandalized
- Prison Controller Denies Killing Protester
- NUJ Condemns Attacks
By Akanimo Kufre (The New Diplomat’s A/Ibom|C/River Correspondent)
#EndSARS protest in Akwa Ibom state capital, Uyo turned violent, Thursday evening when a personnel of Nigeria Correction Services (Prison Warder) was reported to have shot dead, one protester along Barracks Road in Uyo.
According to an eye witness simply identified as Uko, a computer accessories seller, a Prison Warder who was probably on escort duty of prisoners allegedly opened fire to disperse the crowd killing one protester in the process.
The angry crowd retaliated by throwing stone at government and Police vehicles along Barracks Road.
The incident happened barely a kilometer from the governor’s office, where the protesters torched the Anchor Insurance Company located near the killing location. Access Bank was also vandalized as well as De Choice Mall, AKBC office and other places.
Different security formations were seen on patrol to maintain law and order as the protesters continued on rampage targeting government building as citizens scamper for safety.
Governor Udom Emmanuel has declared curfew beginning from 9pm till 12noon on Friday.
However, the Akwa Ibom state Controller of Nigerian Correctional Service, Akinlola Orisabinone has denied alleged killing of Uyo protester by armed personnel of his command.
The state Controller in a statement made available through his command PRO, ASC O. J. Ogbajie urged the public to disregard the report of shooting of protesters as work of mischief makers to incite violence.
“The officers on sighting the angry mob, quickly reverse in order not to allow the mob release the inmates and went back to Uyo Custodial Center. The Controller of Corrections, want to inform the general public that, after a thorough investigation by the officer in-charge of Uyo Custodial Center this evening, that no protester was shot or killed by men of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Akwa Ibom State Command,” A. Orisabinone said.
In the meantime, Nigeria Union of Journalist (NUJ) has condemn the arson and vandalism in Uyo as unwarranted. Comrade Amos Etuk described the burning of Akwa Ibom Broadcasting Corporation, (AKBC) administrative building as lacking significance
“These attacks are uncalled for and meaningless. Certainly, this is not the way to go. It is a classic case of blaming the doctor for the disease of the victim.
“We urge security agencies to be on top of the situation to prevent further wanton destruction of lives and property and also ensure that perpetrators of these dastardly acts are brought to book in accordance with the laws of our State.”
The Union further commends Governor Udom Emmanuel for the swift response to the ugly development by imposing a curfew in the State to control the situation.
Uyo residents were shocked by the unprecedented carnage that led to government declaring curfew as destruction of properties continues in the state.
“I was so terrified, my only brother was unreachable as he went to Plaza to fix his phone. My dad closed shop early in Aka Road but couldn’t drive home till past 8pm. I was already traumatized with disturbing images and videos of Lekki Massacre. God please save us.” Ms.Susan Etuk, a distraught nursery school teacher told The New Diplomat.
