Ikpeazu imposes curfew on Umuahia, Aba over rising security threat in south-east

Chidi Samuel| Abia State governor, Okezie Ikpeazu, Abia governor, on Monday imposed a curfew on Umuahia and Aba metropolis of the state between 10pm and 6am.

The development is coming on the heels of Monday morning attack on Imo state police headquarters and correctional centre by unknown gunmen believed to members of IPOB and ESN.

In a statement, John Kalu, the commissioner for information, said the decision is a result of security reports received from multiple sources.

The statement did not, however, give details of the security reports but said there is a “need to continue to protect innocent citizens and residents of the state”.

“The Governor of Abia State, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, has directed the imposition of curfew in Aba and Umuahia metropolis between 10pm and 6am daily from today, Monday, 5th April, 2021 till further notice, Okeiyi’s statement read.

“This is sequel to security reports received from multiple sources, and informed by the need to continue to protect innocent citizens and residents of the state.

“Security agencies in the state have been directed to ensure strict enforcement and compliance with the directive. Only those on essential services with proper identification are exempted from the curfew.

“We urge traditional rulers, men of the State Homeland Security Team and Community Vigilante Services in the state to monitor movement of persons within their respective domains and take necessary measures to protect the people and their property.

“All law abiding citizens are advised to go about their normal duties, outside the curfew period, without fear of molestation as the security architecture of the state is robust enough to guarantee their safety.”

Government facilities and security personnel in south-east states have in recent weeks come under series of attacks by gunmen suspected to members of IPOB and ESN.

Only last week, former governor of Nigeria’s Central Bank and front runner in the Anambra governorship election was attacked at a public event in the state.

Three of his security aides were killed in the attack.