Wike imposes curfew in Rivers State

 

Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike of Rivers State.

By Sandra Okoye


Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has imposed curfew in Rivers State following the killings of some security personnel alongside other threats raising fears of insecurity in the state.

He gave the order Tuesday during the state broadcast in Port Harcourt.

Wike said the recent security breaches and deadly attacks on security personnel by yet to be identified gunmen and brigands led credence to his decision.

He explained that on Saturday 24th of April, 2021, some innocent officers of the Customs, Police and Civil Defence services on their duty posts along the Port Harcourt – Owerri express way were ambushed and gruesomely murdered in cold blood by armed attackers.


He noted: "The next day, that is, Sunday, 25th April 2021, the State witnessed another deadly attack and killing of officers and men of the Nigerian Army right in their duty post at Abua town in Abua/Odual Local Government Area of the State.

"Although the security agencies are investigating these attacks with a view to bringing the perpetrators to justice, nobody yet knows where and when  the next attack would take place; neither do we also know the motives of the deranged characters or group behind these senseless assault on our State and the lives of security operatives working to keep us safe and secure.

"However, what is obvious is that the attackers and their sponsors are people who came from outside Rivers State, and as a Government, we are determined to do everything within our powers to prevent the reoccurrence of such senseless and murderous acts aimed at creating an atmosphere of gross insecurity and panic among the citizens. 

"In view of what is going on therefore and its implications to the security of the State and citizens, and in discharge of our constitutional responsibility in that regard, the Government of Rivers State has decided to restrict night movements into and out of the State from the land borders of the State.

"Consequently, a night curfew is hereby imposed and no person or vehicle is allowed into and out of Rivers State from 8.00 p.m. to 6.00 a.m. from tomorrow 28th April 2021 until further notice."

Wike advised those who have any legitimate need or reason to come into or go out of the State must do so before 8.00 p.m. when the curfew shall come into force daily.

He said that security agencies have been posted to monitor and enforce strict compliance with the curfew at all our land borders and or entry and exit points with Abia, Akwa-Ibom, Bayelsa and Imo States.

He called all citizens to understand that these are strange times and nothing can be more paramount than our collective safety and security.

The Rivers State government therefore, urged everyone to be vigilant and report every useful intelligence or suspicious movements to the security agencies for immediate actions.