Nigeria's Lagos declares Curfew as "EndSARS" protests worsen

On Tuesday, authorities declared a 24-hour curfew in Nigeria's most populated state, as violence took a different level in widespread protests across the cities. Lagos state governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu made the announcement that "essential service providers and first responders" would be granted access on the street from 4pm.

Dear Lagosians, I have watched with shock how what began as a peaceful #EndSARS protest has degenerated into a monster that is threatening the well-being of our society. Lives and limbs have been lost as criminals and miscreants are now hiding under the umbrella ...

— Babajide Sanwo-Olu (@jidesanwoolu) October 20, 2020

... of these protests to unleash mayhem on our state. As a government that is alive to its responsibility and has shown a commitment to the movement #ENDSARS, we will not watch and allow anarchy in our dear state.

— Babajide Sanwo-Olu (@jidesanwoolu) October 20, 2020

I, therefore, hereby impose a 24-hour curfew on all parts of the State as from 4pm today, 20th October,2020. Nobody, except essential service providers and first responders must be found on the streets.

— Babajide Sanwo-Olu (@jidesanwoolu) October 20, 2020

However, on Tuesday, a police station was set on fire in the Orile Iganmu district of the city and several roads have been blocked with standstill traffic. Officials have called on protesters to stop the demonstrations for now and give the government some time to work on its pledges.