Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike has placed a curfew from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. at all entry and exit points with neighbouring states Abia, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, and Imo.
Wike said in a state broadcast on Tuesday that the curfew, which will go into effect on Wednesday night, was necessary due to recent security violations and deadly assaults.
“The Rivers State Government has agreed to ban night movements into and out of the state from the state’s land boundaries.
“As a result, a night curfew is hereby enforced, and no person or vehicle is permitted to enter or exit Rivers State from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. on Wednesday, 28 April, until further notice.”
“We want to advise that anyone who has a valid need or excuse to enter or leave the State must do so before 8 p.m. every day when the curfew will be imposed,” the governor added.
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He noted that security forces have been deployed to track and implement strict curfew enforcement at all borders, entry and exit points with Abia, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, and Imo states.
He said that on April 24, innocent Customs, Police, and Civil Defence officers on duty along the Port Harcourt-Owerri expressway were ambushed and brutally murdered in cold blood by armed attackers.
“Similarly, on Sunday, the state witnessed another deadly attack and killing of Nigerian Army officers and men right in Abua town in Abua Odual Local Government Area,” he said.
Wike said that security forces were investigating these attacks to bring the perpetrators to justice, but that no one knows when or where the next attack would occur.
“We just don’t know the motivations of the deranged individuals or organisations behind these random attacks on our state and the lives of security personnel trying to keep us safe and protected.
“However, it is clear that the attackers and their supporters are from outside of Rivers State.
“As a government, we are committed to doing everything in our power to avoid the recurrence of such murderous actions aimed at instilling fear and panic among people.
“In light of the consequences for state and citizen welfare, and in fulfilment of our statutory obligation, the government has agreed to enact restrictions.”
“The controls will affect movements into and out of the state from the state’s land borders,” he said.
The governor advised all state residents to be alert and to report any valuable information or unusual movements to security services for prompt action.
He also pleaded with the people to understand that they are living in odd times, and nothing is more important than their mutual protection and safety.
