Nyesom Wike, governor of Rivers, has declared 24-hour curfew
in some selected areas in the state.
The governor made the announcement in a state-wide broadcast
on Wednesday.
For about two weeks, Nigerians took to the streets to
protest against police brutality under the #EndSARS campaign.
While the protests have been largely peaceful, event in
recent days witnessed an hijack of the protests by hoodlums in some states.
In his message to the people of Rivers, Wike commended the
protesters but added that “the protest has been hijacked by hoodlums to unleash
carnage and destroy property.”
Wike said there have been attacks on police stations and
court buildings in Oyigbo local government area of the state, as well as market
areas in some other LGAs.
The governor said the unrest led to a meeting of the state’s
security council which agreed to impose of curfew in parts of the state.
“As a government, we cannot watch helplessly and allow
trouble-makers to take the laws into their hands and use the current situation
to create a state of panic and insecurity,” he said.
“Consequently, the state’s security council met today and
decided to take the following measures to secure lives and property in the
State:
“A 24-hour curfew has been imposed on Mile 1, Mile 2,
Emenike, Ikokwu and Iloaubuchi arears of Port Harcourt from 6.30 p.m. today
21st October 2020.
“A 24-hour curfew has been imposed on the entire Oyigbo
Local Government Area from 6.30 p.m. today, 21st October 2020;
“A 24-hour curfew has also been imposed on Oil mill area in
Obio/Akpor Local Government Area;
“Security agencies are directed to enforce the curfew with
effect from 6.30 p.m. today 21st October 2020.
“Local government chairmen are directed to mobilize vigilantes
and work with security agencies to ensure that no hoodlum is allowed to disturb
the peace or destroy lives and property in their local government areas.”
Wike had earlier banned #EndSARS protests in Rivers, but
residents defied his orders by coming out to demonstrate in support of the
campaign.
Lagos, Edo, Ekiti, and Plateau are among states which have
imposed curfew due to cases of violence.
It is a pity that Nigerians cannot have a peaceful protest asking for what is good for them without been hijacked by the hoodlums/self-centred individuals.
ReplyDeleteI don't think this protest have anything to do with religion,ethnic, or any political affiliation. The issue of insecurity, injustice and economic hardship cut across all corners of the country.
I think we need more awareness in this country while dealing with national issues.
My appeal to all and sundry is lets not forget that we can never achieve any meaningful result with violence.
And to the leaders, let them be aware that when the heart of the followers boil; they can no longer accept/take instruction from the leaders.
We must lead with good examples as Leaders.
Good bless Nigeria and Nigerians.
PEACE