Protests: 4,000 displaced in Benin, 300 injured nationwide 'Red Cross

Nigerian Red Cross Society, on Thursday, released a figure stating that 4,000 persons were temporarily displaced in Benin, Edo State and 300 injured nationwide so far as protests against fuel subsidy removal by the Federal Government continues.Nigerian Red Cross Secretary- General, Dr Bello Hamman Diram, disclosed in a statement that Nigerian Red Cross volunteers provided first aid to injured persons, while those seriously wounded were evacuated to nearby hospitals.According to him, in the wake of the ongoing nationwide strike called by the various labour organisations against the removal of fuel subsidy, the society stepped up its preparedness and humanitarian response.He said since January 9, hundreds of volunteers had been deployed in all the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja."They have assisted those wounded as a result of confrontations between protesters and security agents," Dr Diram said.He further disclosed that most of those injured are from Kano, Benin city and Lagos.He said, "In Kano city, 20 volunteers acted as health care workers in three hospitals that were facing staff shortages because of the strike.'In Benin city where 4,000 persons were temporarily displaced, the volunteers also provided basic health services."They are ready to continue responding to the needs as they arise. I appeal to both the members of the security forces and the protesters to respect Red Cross personnel and allow them to treat or evacuate the wounded and the sick.
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