Youths protest alleged harassment by EFCC in Benin

Angry youths suspected to be students of the University of Benin (UNIBEN), defied the early morning downpour in Benin City, Edo State, on Tuesday to protest alleged incessant harassment by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Armed with placards with various inscriptions the protesters caused traffic gridlocks on the ever-busy Benin-Lagos highway for several hours. It was gathered that the protesters attacked and vandalised a van said to be conveying personnel of the Edo State Security Corps (ESSC), at the Isihor axis of the road. Some of the youths wbo craved anonimity, alleged that operatives of the anti graft agency had severally broke into students hostels at about 2 am. They expressed concern for their safety. “We are angry because of EFCC harassment. They go to students’ hostels at midnights, arrest everyone and tag them internet fraudstars. “This must stop. We call on Governor Monday Okpebholo and President Bola Tinubu to call them to order,” they sai Meanwhile, EFCC has beefed up security around its Benin Zonal office located along High Court Road, to forestall possible attacks. It was observed that the operatives mounted checkpoint on the road leading to its office, where they subjected motorists to rigorous screening. The Spokesman for the Benin Zonal Command of the EFCC, William Oseghale, could not be reached for comments as calls to his mobile line went unanswered.