BENIN CITY – FOR fear of the unknown, several private schools in Benin City, Edo state capital did not open yesterday as civil society groups had a peaceful demonstration in several parts of the city protesting scarcity of premium motor spirit popularly called petrol and exorbitant prices the fuel stations that had were selling the per litre.
Some schools sent text messages to parents as early as 6:30 am telling them that school would not open as they could determine the level the planned protest would take while others who did not send messages sent back the pupils and their guardians.
But there was heavy security presence in all the flash points as early as 6 am yesterday as armed policemen, armoured vehicles, members of the Edo State Vigilante Group, members of the Public Works Volunteers (PUWOV) took over the areas such Rung Road, Ugbowo near the University of Benin main gate, parts of Sapele Road and other areas.
Noticeable among the protest groups were the Edo State Civil Society Organizations (EDOCSO) and the Faculty of Peace Organization (FPO).
