By Henry Orjiakor
Gov. Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State has announced an eight-hour curfew in the state capital, Umuahia and Aba.
The Commissioner for Information, Mr John Kalu disclosed this in a statement on Monday.
Kalu said that the curfew which would span between 10pm and 6am would take immediate effect until further notice.
The commissioner said that the imposition of the curfew became necessary following security reports from multiple sources as well as the need to protect innocent residents of the state.
He charged security agencies in the state to ensure strict enforcement and compliance with the directive, adding that only those on essential services with proper identification were exempted from the curfew.
“We urge traditional rulers, men of the State Homeland Security Team and Community Vigilance Services in the state to monitor movement of persons within their respective domains and take necessary measures to protect the people and their property,” he said.
The commissioner directed every law abiding citizen in the state to go about their normal duties outside the curfew periodwithout fear of molestation.
Kalu said that the security architecture of the state was robust enough to guarantee their safety.
Recall that the security of some states in the South East has been challenged following attacks by hoodlums on security formations, correctional facilities and rural communities.
On April 5, the headquarters of the Police Command as well as the Nigerian Correctional Services facility in Owerri, Imo State were attacked during which police property were destroyed and scores of inmates released by hoodlums.
