The #ENDSARS protests took a more embarrassing toll Saturday in Osogbo when protesters attacked the convoy of Governor of Osun State, Alhaji Isiaka Adegboyega Oyetola, who escaped death by the whiskers, along with the Deputy Governor, Benedict Alabi, and other state executives.
Although yet to be commented on, report reaching The DEFENDER also has it that Governor of Ekiti State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, was also attacked while leaving the state House of Assembly Complex in Ado Ekiti.
The attack on Osun governor occurred after he had addressed the protesters in Osogbo, the state capital, singing with them and promising that their demands would be looked into.
Surprisingly, while the governor solidarised with them, the protesters, brandishing guns, cuttlasses and other dangerous items, started shooting and hulling stones at the governor.
The state Commissioner for Information, Mrs Funke Egbemode, said the protest was mot just about SARS but an attempt to take the governor out.
The protesting youths proceeded later in the evening when they attacked Osogbo City Mall, vandalised shops and stole electronic gadgets, phones and laptops.
Eye witness accounts said that the attackers stormed the mall on motorcycles at about 7pm, forcing security guards and shops owners to run for safety.
One of the eye witnesses, who preferred anonymity, said that the fierce approach of the attackers sent everyone in the mall running for safety.
He said that they came in large numbers and had a free day, as no policeman or any other security personnel intervened to save the situation.
“They rode on over 20 motorcycles with about three passengers each on the bikes, and they came with dangerous weapons.
“The private security guards at the mall had to run for safety, because they don’t carry arms.
“The hoodlums destroyed the glass doors of the electronics stores within the mall and carted away phones, laptops and other items,” the witness said.
There were also reports of arson at a public facility in Osogbo, allegedly carried out by the hoodlums.
The Police spokesperson in the state, SP Opalola Yemisi, confirmed the incident and said that efforts were on to bring the situation under control and arrest the perpetrators.
