By Our Reporter
Gov. Nyesom Wike of Rivers State has announced a review on the existing night curfew in the state following sustained attacks and killings of security men in the area.
Wike disclosed this on Monday during a statewide broadcast in Port Harcourt.
Recall that unknown gunmen on May 7 allegedly killed seven police officers during a multiple ambush on police check points along the East-West Road, Port Harcourt.
The governor said that the state government having reviewed the way and manner the incident occurred, decided to adjust the curfew period.
He said that the existing night time curfew across the 23 local government areas of the state would now start from 7pm to 6am with effect from May 11.
The governor said that the time would remain until further notice.
“The security agencies are, hereby, directed to note the new curfew time, ensure strict compliance and effectively deal with any person or group that violates or attempts to violate it.
“These are extraordinary times for our country and our state. We have for the moment declined the pressure on the state government to activate our youth to defend the state.
“This is because we do not want to complicate our very delicate security situation by creating opportunities for some other monsters to emerge,” he said.
Wike said that his administration was determined to deploy everything at its disposal to advance the safety and security of lives and property in the state..
He expressed condolences to the families of the dead police officers.
“We appeal to the public to understand that security is everybody’s business and they should play their own roles, especially in passing intelligence to the law enforcement agencies,” Wike said.
Ikengaonline reports that the unknown gunmen were said that have operated in two Hilux vans and attacked C41 Patrol Team at Choba during which two policemen namely ASP Jubril Adams and Insp. George Mathew were allegedly killed.
Their two AK-47 riffles were allegedly snatched and the patrol van set ablaze.
The armed men further allegedly attacked Rumuji Division, killed and beheaded two police officers namely ASP Nelson Azuma and Insp. Friday Oyeghe while one Constable Emeka Amadi sustained bullet injuries.
They allegedly carted away two AK-47 riffles and set a patrol van ablaze.
The hoodlums further allegedly attacked Elimgbu Division killing ASP Ibrahim Otteh, ASP Okoro Azuka and Insp. Bassey Paulinus while Sgt. Oluchukwu Emehuru sustained bullet injuries.
Four riffles were allegedly stolen.
