Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike has imposed night curfews on all land border areas in the state comprising entry and exit points with Abia, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, and Imo states.
The Governor noted that the action was taken to curb the growing security challenges in some areas of the state.
In a statewide broadcast on Tuesday Governor Wike said the curfew will take effect from Wednesday night and will remain in place until further notice.
He noted that security operatives have been given marching orders to ensure strict compliance.
The directive affects all borders and or entry and exit points with Abia, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, and Imo states.
The Governor, therefore, warned all those who may be coming in and out of the state to take note of the curfew which will run from 8pm to 6am daily until further notice.
The Government of Rivers State has decided to restrict night movements into and out of the state from the land borders of the state.
“Consequently, a night curfew is hereby imposed and no person or vehicle is allowed into and out of Rivers State from 8.00 pm to 6.00 am from tomorrow (Wednesday) 28 April 2021 until further notice.
“We wish to advise that those who have any legitimate need or reason to come into or go out of the State must do so before 8.00 pm when the curfew shall come into force daily,” Wike declared.
The Governor’s statement confirmed earlier reports by Naija News of gunmen attacks on security operatives in Rivers State with Wike explaining that on Saturday some innocent officers of the Customs, Police and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps on their duty posts along the Port Harcourt – Owerri Expressway were ambushed and gruesomely murdered in cold blood by armed attackers.
He added that on Sunday, unknown gunmen carried out another attack, killing officers and men of the Nigerian Army right in their duty post at Abua town in the Abua Odual Local Government Area of the state.
The governor noted that while security agencies were investigating these attacks there is the need to take proactive action to prevent a reoccurrence, hence the decision to impose curfews and restrictions.
“Neither do we also know the motives of the deranged characters or group behind these senseless assault on our state and the lives of security operatives working to keep us safe and secure.
“However, what is obvious is that the attackers and their sponsors are people who came from outside Rivers State, and as a government, we are determined to do everything within our powers to prevent the re-occurrence of such senseless and murderous acts aimed at creating an atmosphere of gross insecurity and panic among the citizens.
“In view of what is going on therefore and its implications to the security of the state and citizens, and in discharge of our constitutional responsibility in that regard, the government of Rivers State has decided to restrict night movements into and out of the state from the land borders of the state,” he explained.
Meanwhile, the Borno Elders Forum has insisted that some people in government were sabotaging the nation’s security agencies.
The Dean of the forum, Prof. Khalifa Dikwa, made this known during an appearance on a programme on Channels Television on Tuesday.