Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has imposed night curfew at
all entry and exit points with Abia, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa and Imo States.
Governor Wike in State broadcast on Tuesday said the curfew which takes
effect from Wednesday night, is necessitated by the recent security
breaches and deadly attacks on security personnel by yet to be
identified gunmen.
“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 (Wednesday) 28 April 2021 until further notice.
“We wish to advise that 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.”
The governor stated that security agencies have been posted to monitor
and enforce strict compliance with the curfew at all borders and or
entry and exit points with Abia, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa and Imo States.
He explained that on Saturday some innocent officers of the Customs,
Police and Civil Defence services on their duty posts along the Port
Harcourt – Owerri Expressway were ambushed and gruesomely murdered in
cold blood by armed attackers.
And similarly, on Sunday, 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.
The governor said 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
re-occurrence 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.”
The governor urged all citizens of the State to be vigilant and report
every useful intelligence or suspicious movements to the security
agencies for immediate action.
He advised the people to understand that these are strange times and
nothing can be more paramount than their collective safety and security.