www.odogwublog.com
reports that following the tensed security situation in Abia State in the
aftermath of the Operation Python Dance 11 launched by the Nigeria Army, Gov.
Okezie Ikpeazu has announced a dusk to dawn curfew in Aba, the commercial nerve
centre of the state.
Ikpeazu who announced the curfew
while addressing newsmen yesterday in Umuahia after an emergency security
meeting, said the the curfew would last for three days beginning from 6pm to 6
am.
He advised residents of the
commercial city to comply with the curfew, and to avoid any clash with the
military personnel involved in the Operation Python Dance.
The Governor who read a prepared
speech did not take any questions from journalists as he left the Executive
Chambers of the Government House Umuahia, venue of the briefing immediately he
finished reading the text.
His speech read in part:
"Abia State has for the past few days been the focus of security
searchlight occasioned by the reported skirmish between some groups in the
State, especially Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) with men of
the Nigerian Army.
"Government notes and has
observed the frenzy of activities of members of IPOB within Afara –
Umuahia, the ancestral home of the leader of IPOB for some months now.
"Government is equally aware of
the recent proclamation by the Nigerian Army of Operation Python Dance II
within the South – East geopolitical region of Nigeria.
"The operation as declared
by the Army is intended to check kidnapping,
banditry, assassination, secessionist activities within the region,
amongst other forms of criminal activities.
"The recent confrontation
between the Nigerian Army and members of IPOB on Sunday, 10th September,
2017, could presumably be attributed to the commencement of the said
Operation Python Dance II.
"The Abia State Government
unequivocally states that Abia is a component State of the Federal
Republic of Nigeria and subscribes to the supremacy of the Constitution of
the Federal Republic of Nigeria and all other extant laws.
"While the Government of Abia
State recognizes the right of the Nigerian Army and other security agencies, to
perform their statutory duty of protection of lives and property of Nigerian
citizens, such duties must be carried out within acclaimed Nigerian and
international standards of engagement with the civil populace, with due respect
to the human rights of citizens and sanctity of human lives.
"The Abia State Government
is committed to the protection of the lives and
properties of its citizens and others residing and doing business
within the geographical entity called Abia State.
"Abians and
others living within Abia, are advised to remain law abiding and
carry on their lawful business without fear, as efforts by
Government will be made to reduce friction between the civil
populace and military personnel in the State.
"Meanwhile, Aba residents are
advised to observe a curfew from 6pm to 6am from
today 12/09/2017 to 14/09/2017.
"Persons residing within
the State are strongly advised to remain law abiding, while going about
their lawful business without fear of molestation, and, not engage in any
form of confrontation with military personnel or other security agents.
"The Government recognizes
the constitutional Right to Freedom of Movement for all
Nigerians, but objects to the influx of people into Abia State
for purposes of unsettling the enduring peace in the State.
"Finally, Abia
State will co – operate with security agencies to maintain the rule
of law and order in the State."
Meanwhile, there were reports of
clashes between soldiers and some persons suspected to be IPOB members in some
parts of Aba and around Isiala Ngwa axis.
There has been public outcry against
the heavy presence of soldiers across the state as well as other parts of South
East zone.
End
Abia boils as Ikpeazu imposes curfew in Aba
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on
Tuesday, September 12, 2017
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