Ikpeazu imposes curfew on Umuahia, Aba amid unrest in south-east

Okezie Ikpeazu, Abia governor, has imposed a curfew on Umuahia and Aba metropolis of the state between 10pm and 6am.

He said the decision is a result of security reports received from multiple sources.

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

John Kalu, the commissioner for information, released a statement to this effect on Monday.

The statement read: “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.

“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.”

There have been a series of attacks on security officials and government facilities in south-east states in recent weeks.

In the early hours of Monday, inmates were freed as gunmen attacked a federal correctional facility and police command in Imo state.

Last week, gunmen invaded several communities in Ebonyi state, resulting in the deaths of over 15 people.

In March, police officers and prison officials were attacked multiple times in Anambra state.