in the entire Oyigbo Local Government Area of the State.
Governor Wike in a state-wide broadcast today also announced that the
curfew also extends to Mile 1, Mile 2, Emenike, Ikowu, and Iloaubuchi
areas of Port Harcourt Local Government Area as well as the Oil Mill
area of Obio-Akpor Local Government Area of the State.
The governor explained that the decision to impose the curfew was taken
after a State Security Council meeting held at the Government House,
Port Harcourt earlier today.
Governor Wike stated that while the State Government appreciate and
commend the peaceful nature of the ongoing #EndSARS protests, it was
becoming clear by the day that the protest had been hijacked by hoodlums
to unleash carnage.
“Earlier today, some hoodlums attacked and destroyed Police Stations and
Court buildings in Oyigbo Local Government Area of the State. Another
set of hooligans were also on the rampage at the Ikokwu spare parts
markets disturbing public peace and damaging property”.
Governor Wike asserted that the State government cannot watch helplessly
and allow trouble-makers to take the laws into their hands and use the
current situation to create a state of panic and insecurity.
To this end, he said consequently, the State’s Security Council had
decided to impose curfew in some parts of the State to secure lives and
property.
“A 24-hour curfew has been imposed on Mile 1, Mile 2, Emenike, Ikokwu
and Iloaubuchi areas of Port Harcourt from 6.30 p.m. today 21st October
2020.”
“A 24-hour curfew has been imposed on the entire Oyigbo Local Government
Area from 6.30 p.m. today, 21st October 2020; a 24-hour curfew has also
been imposed on Oil mill area in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area,” he
said.
The governor has therefore directed security agencies to enforce the
curfew with effect from 6.30 p.m. today 21st October 2020.
Similarly, Local Government Chairmen have also been directed to mobilize
vigilantes and work with security agencies to ensure that no hoodlum is
allowed to disturb the peace or destroy lives and property in their
Local Government Areas.
“We urge all citizens to remain vigilant and report all suspicious
characters to the security agencies for immediate action. Let me appeal
to our youths not to allow themselves to be used to roll-back the peace
we are enjoying in the State under any pretext” he added.