The Edo State Police Command has pledged to support and ensure the safety of protesters, provided the demonstration is conducted peacefully.
During a briefing with journalists on Wednesday evening, Commissioner of Police Funsho Adegboye outlined the police’s commitment to facilitating a peaceful protest.
He emphasised that the police would protect protesters but insisted on adherence to specific guidelines to prevent disruption.
“We had a meeting with some leaders of the protest, and we have agreed that it must be peaceful,” Adegboye stated.
“We will protect and support them with sachet water and sweets. However, there will be no blocking of roads or any form of violence.”
Protesters were advised to gather at designated locations: King Square in Benin City, and approved centers in Ekpoma and Auchi for other Senatorial Districts.
The CP warned that any group gathering outside these designated areas would be treated as criminals.
The police promised to facilitate a smooth protest experience by providing water and maintaining emergency services with an ambulance at the protest sites.
Adegboye reassured residents that those not participating in the protest would be free to go about their daily activities without interference.
He also emphasised that the police had established a situation room to coordinate with protest leaders and prevent any potential hijacking of the demonstration by troublemakers.
The protests, organized in response to governance issues and rising living costs, have garnered significant public interest and concern.
After the call for protests began to gain ground, the Federal Government, governors and the security establishment have been trying to dissuade organisers from going ahead with the protest.
On Wednesday, the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) held a meeting in Abuja, starting Wednesday night and ending early Thursday.
