The Abia government imposed a 24-hour curfew on the two main towns of Umuahia and Aba, following the alleged murder of a police officer (name withheld) in Aba monday evening
Information Commissioner Chief John Okiyi-Kalu announced in a statement made available to the Nigeria News Agency (NAN) in Umuahia on Tuesday
He said the deceased was allegedly murdered after a police patrol van was attacked by at least 30 thugs, who allegedly hijacked the #EndSARS protest in Aba
He said the measure has become necessary to prevent further breaches of the peace and ensure the safety of life and property of law-abiding citizens in the state
He said: “Yesterday evening, a contingent of police officers on official duty around Azikiwe / Asa Road in Aba was attacked by thugs, numbering over 30, and unfortunately killed one of the police
– Thugs also took away police weapons and ammunition, although one of the suspected attackers was apprehended with gunshot woundsat ????
The commissioner added that the Okezie Ikpeazu government had approved a cash reward of 5 million naira for anyone who provided information that could lead to the arrest of the thugs
– This is in addition to the approval of a reward of 1 million naira for each authentic video evidence to be submitted to the judicial commission of inquiry into brutality and extrajudicial killings by security guards in Abia
Okiyi-Kalu urged parents and guardians to prevent their children and wards from engaging in harmful activities that disrupt peace in the state
M Onyebuchi Ememanka, Ikpeazu’s senior press secretary, said the State Executive Council (EXCO) decided to impose a curfew to allow the government to bring the tense situation in Aba and Umuahia under control
– EXCO decided on a 24 hour curfew as an immediate and interim measure to ensure the situation is under control
â ???? It was learned that thugs hijacked what was usually a peaceful demonstration in Aba against police brutality
– EXCO will revise the curfew after 6 p.m. Wednesday, depending on the situation on the ground, â ?? Ememanka said in an interview with NAN
Abia, Okezie Ikpeazu, Aba, End SARS, Curfew, Umuahia, Nigeria, Protest
News from around the world – GB – Murder: Abia Govt imposes 24-hour curfew hours in Umuahia, Aba
SOURCE: https://www.w24news.com
