Suspected hoodlums on Monday hijacked the #EndSARS Protests in Benin City, Edo State capital and invaded the Benin Medium security prison on Sapele Road, releasing some inmates.

Special Adviser to Governor Godwin Obaseki on Media, Crusoe Osagie, told Channels Television that the hoodlums exchanged fire with security operatives at the Maximum prison in Benin City.

“The hoodlums are currently exchanging fire with the security personnel at the Maximum security prison in Oko, Benin City,” Osagie told Channels Television.

Three police stations were also reported to have been burnt by the hoodlums.

Some people were said to have sustained injuries during the gun-battle.

A High Court 4 which is beside the prison was also reportedly vandalised by the invaders.

Videos on social media also show the hoodlums scaling the fence of the facility, allegedly trying to free prisoners.

A Twitter user, @davvydmoore who posted a video of the prison break, wrote: “Prisoners break out of Sapele Prison in Benin!! Rt this aggressively for awareness!!”

Just In: Prisoners break out of Sapele prison in Benin!! Rt this aggressively for awareness!!#EndSARS #SideWithNigeria pic.twitter.com/OuKuNVffUK

— davvyd moore (@davvydmoore) October 19, 2020