The Governor in a state broadcast held on Tuesday the 27th of April, 2021, said that the curfew takes effect from Wednesday night. He added that it is a necessary precaution to take due to the recent security breaches and deadly attacks on security personnel by unidentified gunmen.

The Rivers State Government has decided to restrict night movements in and out of the State, starting from the land borders of the State.

Consequently, a night curfew is hereby imposed and no individual or vehicle is allowed to move in and out of Rivers State from 8.00 p.m. to 6.00 a.m starting today the 28th of April, 2021, until further notice.

“We wish to advise that those who have any valid need or reason to come in or go out of the State must ensure they do so before 8.00 p.m. when the curfew shall fully be implemented,” he stated.

The governor also said that security agencies have been deployed to monitor and enforce strict compliance with the curfew at all borders, entry, and exit points in Abia, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, and the Imo States.

He explained that one of the reasons for taking this action is because, on Saturday, some innocent officers of the Customs, Police, and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps were ambushed and mercilessly murdered in cold blood by armed attackers while they were at their duty posts along the Port Harcourt – Owerri Expressway.

In relation to that, on Sunday, the State witnessed another deadly attack and killing of officers and men of the Nigerian Army at their duty post located at Abua town in Abua Odual Local Government Area of the State.

The governor explained that though the security agencies are still carrying out investigations on these attacks with the sole aim of bringing the guilty individuals to justice, no one knows when the next attack will happen so it is best to take security measures.

“Neither do we also know the reason why these disturbed individuals or groups are perpetrating these evil acts in our States and endangering the lives of security personnel working to keep us safe.

“However, what is clear is that the attackers and their sponsors are people who came from outside Rivers State, and as a government, we will ensure we do everything within our powers to prevent the senseless and murderous acts aimed at creating an atmosphere of gross insecurity and panic among the citizens from happening again.”

Based on what is going on therefore and its impact on the security of the State and citizens, in addition to the discharge of the government’s constitutional duties in that regard, the Government of Rivers State decided to restrict night movements In and out of the State from the land borders of the State.

The governor encouraged all citizens of the State to be vigilant and ensure they report every useful information or suspicious movement to the security agencies for immediate action.

He also advised the people to understand that these are strange times and nothing could be more important than the safety and security of the citizens.

ALSO READ: Gunmen Kill 19 Herders & 23 Cows In Anambra State