TENSION remained high in Benin, Edo State capital, yesterday following last Tuesday's riot spearheaded by students of the University of Benin (UNIBEN) during which three rioters suspected to be students of the institution were reportedly shot dead by law enforcement agents and several others injured.

The over five hours protest which halted all commercial activities in the busy city, was organised in reaction to the recent hike in the pump price of petrol by the Federal Government.

Apart from the casualties, several business premises in Benin were looted by hoodlums who hijacked the protest and marched round the city.

Several business operators who hurriedly shut their doors in the wake of the riot, were yet to reopen as at press time. Banks and filling stations were also not opened.

The state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Mr. Peter Ogboi, disclosed that the command was working round the clock to recover goods looted by the hoodlums, including cars snatched in the process.

Report indicated that no fewer than six cars of assorted brands were snatched by the protesters and about seven filling stations mainly owned by major marketers vandalized.

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