By Lebi Joseph, Akure
Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State has said schools in the state would still remain closed due to the recent #EndSARS protests.
The State Government closed the schools on Tuesday due to the protesters against police brutality under #EndSARS.
Akeredolu gave the directive at a press briefing on Sunday in Akure at the Government House.
He explained that the children, who were billed to return to their various schools after the disruption caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, were back home due to the protests.
“Having assessed the situation in the last few days, we are convinced beyond reasonable doubt that our children must still remain at home for the time being,” he said.
The governor expressed misgivings about the wanton destruction by some hoodlums who hid under the EndSars protest, of both private and public properties in some parts of the state, particularly Akure, Ondo, Ore and Okitipupa
Akeredolu, however, called on community leaders in the state to reign in the youths, and ensure peace was maintained in their various domain.
“Any property sited in your domain is yours. Those properties destroyed are yours as long it is located in your community, it becomes yours.
“Individuals whose properties were destroyed by hoodlums during the protests should let us know. They should have an evaluation.
“We will set up a committee to assess the damages and recommend what will be paid, they will be adequately compensated.
“Those arrested for the wanton destruction of properties would be made to face the full wrath of the law.
“The security agencies have only arrested a few, many more arrests will be made. All these destruction is totally destruction,” he said.
According to him, his administration is determined to create job opportunities for the youths through entrepreneurship development, which is a veritable tool for socio-economic development.
Akeredolu urged the igbo tribe living in the south west region to ignore a viral video which threatened some nationals, especially igbo, to quit yorubaland.
The governor noted that Igbos, like other people living in the South West, had every lawful right to go about their normal business activities.
