The Abia State Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, going by the happenings in the state, on Tuesday declared a three-day curfew in the commercial city of Aba following heightened tension at a time the Nigerian army has invaded the state.
Ikpeazu, in a statement issued by the state government, stated that the curfew would start from 6p.m. to 6a.m. on Tuesday and ends next Thursday in the state commercial nerve centre.
He expressed concerns over the launch of a military exercise tagged: Operation Python Dance II in the state and other south-eastern states by the Nigerian army.
The governor however promised to co-operate with the security agencies to restore law and order, asserting that the state government is committed to the protection of the lives and property of those residing and doing business in Abia state.
According to the governor in statement, "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 September 10, 2017, could presumably be attributed to the commencement of the said Operation Python Dance II.
The state government unequivocally stated 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.
The statement further noted that "while the Abia State government 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 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 therefore 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.
No comments:
Post a Comment