Govt refutes curfew rumour as panic spreads

Residents and traders in Benin closed shop early on Friday to beat a curfew alert from the rumour mill as the state prepared for today’s governorship election.

The panic and mass movement home continued in spite of repeated announcements by the government that there was no official curfew.

People, particularly visiting journalists, who turned up late to buy essential commodities, were shocked to find the traders closing their shops and insisting that they did not want to be caught up in the purported curfew.

By 7 pm, the streets had become deserted as residents hurried home.

But sources said the rumour of the curfew was created by some politicians, who wanted to cause confusion and create panic to suit their motives for today’s governorship poll.

The radio announcement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Edo State Governor, Mr. Peter Okhiria, urged the people to ignore the curfew rumour.

It read, “Report has reached the state government that a few people are spreading the rumour of the imposition of curfew in the state.

“The Edo State Government wishes to assure all citizens and residents in the state that the government has not imposed any curfew in any part of the state.

“Anybody who has any legitimate business to do in any part of the state is free to do so.

“The government warns that anyone caught spreading such rumour with the intent to cause panic or chaos will be prosecuted.”