The Ogun State Government has ordered the immediate closure of all schools in the State.

The State's Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, gave this announcement in a statewide address on Tuesday, October 20.

He also placed a ban on all 'okada' operations across the State all through tomorrow, Wednesday, 21st October.

The full statement of his address reads;

In the past 13 days, Ogun State and indeed the whole of Nigeria have witnessed resounding protests from a majority youth population, clamouring for an end to the now disbanded SARS; a holistic reform of the Nigeria Police; and a sundry other demands, which have so far significantly disrupted the daily socioeconomic lives of our people.

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In solidarity with the totality of peaceful protesters exercising their fundamental rights, I facilitated the immediate release from custody, of over 30 of our youth on behalf of our responsible and responsive Government.

Subsequent protests have however taken a violent turn, with reports and records of violence; burning of Police stations; vandalisation of private and public properties; blockades on major highways, and extortion of innocent citizens at same; and deployment of Okada to transport hoodlums. Most worrisome are the lynching of a Customs officer by an Okada mob today, and last week’s attack on a top government functionary’s vehicle, which made us consider many options including imposing a state-wide curfew.

However, following my meeting with Security Chiefs in Ogun State today, we have come up with the following measures, subject to review on a 24-hour basis:

1. Immediate closure of all schools (at all levels) till Monday, 26th October, 2020.

2. Suspension of Okada operations across the State all through tomorrow, Wednesday, 21st October, in the first instance.

3. Increased security around correctional facilities and public buildings.

4. Highway blockades and harassment of innocent citizens to no longer be tolerated.

5. Deployment of joint patrol teams of security agencies to ensure no threat to public security.

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I am moved by developments to request that youth groups appoint representatives to meet and negotiate with the Ogun State Government, in addition to other steps we have taken, such as the setting up oourf the Judicial Panel of Investigation.

No right is absolute, and we cannot fold our arms and watch State descend into anarchy. The State is our first property, our only home. And our home must be conducive for us, the inhabitants.