Disturbing Video Shows Edo Sanitation Operatives Assaulting 'Pregnant Woman', Other Over Alleged Movement Restriction Violations

The Edo State Sanitation Task Force is facing severe criticism for allegedly assaulting residents, including a pregnant woman, over violations of a government-imposed movement restriction during a sanitation exercise.

This crackdown continues despite a government spokesman acknowledging that no legal basis supports the restriction, and following a recent Appeal Court ruling that declared such orders unconstitutional.

Eyewitnesses say that on Saturday, task force operatives violently attacked several locals in Benin City, including a pregnant woman, accusing them of defying the monthly sanitation lockdown.

A video seen by SaharaReporters shows members of the task force physically assaulting their victims, with one of them hitting them with a stick.

WATCH: Edo Sanitation Operatives Assault 'Pregnant Woman', Residents Over Alleged Violation Of Movement Restriction pic.twitter.com/vf7qAnGDQR

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The incident has drawn sharp condemnation, raising serious concerns about the task force’s behaviour and the state government’s respect for the rule of law.

The policy, enforced from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. on the last Saturday of every month, was reintroduced earlier this year by Governor Monday Okpebholo’s administration.

However, several human rights organisations and legal experts have argued that the measure violates constitutional provisions. They contend that the policy has resulted in troubling incidents of rights abuses across the state.

In a statement on Saturday, the state deputy governor, Dennis Idahosa, posted on Facebook: “Today, I officially flag-off the reintroduced Monthly Environmental Sanitation Exercise.

“This initiative is scheduled to hold from 7am to 10am on the last Saturday of every month.

“I urge us not to see this exercise as a mere routine, but a clarion call and a civic responsibility for each and every one of us to take ownership of our environment, to cherish the land we call our homes and to work together for a cleaner, healthier and more sustainable Edo State, that guarantees a healthy living.

“Our environment is not just the backdrop to our lives; it is the very foundation of our health, our economy, and the legacy we leave for future generations.”

According to him, the “reintroduced monthly exercise goes beyond cleaning of our streets and neighborhoods; rather it is about building a culture of environmental stewardship”.

“To this end, I wish to emphasize that Senator Monday Okpebholo’s led administration will not hesitate to take decisive action against individuals or groups that flout the rules of this sanitation exercise,” he said.

“Everyone is expected to remain at home during the stipulated hours and participate actively in the cleaning of their surroundings, with exceptions granted only for those on essential duties.”

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