At least two persons died when protesters and hoodlums clashed at Ring Road , Benin during the #EndSARS protest on Friday.
The hoodlums, who stormed the venue of the protest, attacked the protesters with machetes and other weapons.
The protesting youths were calling on the government to end impunity and police brutality.
It was gathered that some of the hoodlums, who are tickers in the Ring Road motor park, were furious over their inability to do their business since the protest began in the Edo State capital.
The State government in a statement confirmed the deaths without giving the number of casualties.
The statement quoted the governor as condemning the attack on #EndSARS protesters.
He said, “I have just learnt that hoodlums have attacked # ENDSARS protesters, who have conducted themselves peacefully in Benin City. I extend condolences to the victims of the attacks, including those who lost their lives and others who were injured by the thugs.
“It is disheartening that anyone would attack a peaceful assembly of young people who are expressing genuine concerns over police brutality and intimidation in their own country.
“I hereby call on the Edo State Police Command to get out on the streets and provide adequate security for the protesters and ensure that no one is harassed in the course of exercising their rights.”
