Rivers State governor, Nyesom Wike, has lifted the curfew the government imposed on Rivers State to check the killings of security personnel by gunmen.
Wike, in a statement signed by his Special Assistant on Media, Kelvin Ebiri, said the relaxation of the curfew would begin today (Wednesday).
The governor said the decision was sequel to the measurable improvements in the security situation of the state and other neighbouring states.
Wike, in a state broadcast on Tuesday, reiterated that his government acknowledged the negative impact of the curfew on business and social-economic activities.
He explained that in imposing the curfew, the government’s primary concern and interest was, and still remains the security of the State, insisting that no sacrifice is too much for the preservation of lives and property.
“And as we have severally stated, the curfew is not going to last a day beyond necessary. Consequently, sequel to the measurable improvements in the security situation in the State as well as in our neighbouring states, we have decided to lift the existing curfew on the entire state from today.”
The governor thanked the residents for their understanding and co-operation during the curfew and urged them to remain security conscious and report any suspicious situation to the security agencies for action.
He said: “On our part, we will not fail to deploy every resource at our disposal to ensure the safety of lives and property while advancing the well-being of all residents.
“This is the very reason we are clearing the State of shanties that have become veritable sanctuaries for criminals and criminal activities across the State. Clearly, our actions in this direction are not directed or targeted at any particular person, identity or group.”
Wike explained that the State government had, in response to the security breaches and premeditated attacks and killing of security officers in some neighbouring states by gunmen imposed a night-time curfew on the state land borders on April 28 2021.
He said: “Following the premeditated attack and killing of some security personnel in Abua and Ikwerre local government areas by gunmen, we were forced to impose a statewide curfew from 10:00pm to 6:00am.
“On May 11, May 2021, the gunmen defied the existing curfew and carried out yet another murderous attack and killing of some security personnel in the State. This prompted the review of the statewide curfew from 7.00 pm to 6.00am.”
As of May 16, 2021, the existing curfew period was readjusted to 8.30pm from 6.00am for Port Harcourt and Obio/Akpor local government areas only.