Ikpeazu declares three day curfew in Aba

Following the confrontation between the military and members of the Indigenous people of Biafra (IPOB) two days ago, the Abia state government has declared a three day dusk to dawn curfew in Aba, the commercial nerve centre of the state

Governor Okezie Ikpeazu in a statement said the curfew became necessary because of the Sunday’s confrontation between members of IPOB and the military at the ancestral home of leader of the group, Nnnamdi Kanu

“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.”

According to the governor, the operation by the Army “is intended to check kidnapping, banditry, assassination, secessionist activities within the region, amongst other forms of criminal activities”.

The governor said 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

He said while the 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 international standards of engagement with the civil populace, with due respect to the human rights of citizens and sanctity of human lives.

He advised residents to remain law abiding and carry on their lawful business without fear with a promise that the state government will  reduce friction between the civil populace and military personnel in the State.

While declaring a curfew from 6pm to 6am for three days he advised residents 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.