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Tag: curfew

  • #EndSARS: A’Ibom condemns hijack of protests by hoodlums, extends curfew

    #EndSARS: A’Ibom condemns hijack of protests by hoodlums, extends curfew

    By Samuel Ogenyi, Uyo

    Akwa Ibom state government has expressed concern over the hijack of the EndSARS protests by hoodlums to loot public and private properties in Uyo and other parts of the state.

    It has also extended the curfew earlier imposed on the state to Saturday due to need arrest “developing situations”

    In a statement signed by the Secretary to the  Government, SSG, Dr Emmanuel Ekuwem in Uyo yesterday, the state government appealed to the protesters to suspend their action due to infiltration by “negative elements”.

    It also called on indigenes and  residents to take advantage of the Judicial Panel of Investigation in response to the demands of the protesters.

    “We have witnessed scenarios where the protests were clearly hijacked by hoodlums who were attacking public and private property and looting business premises, which confirm the earlier  intelligence available to us on the planned hijack of the peaceful demonstrations. 

    “To this end, we appeal to all genuine protesting groups to please suspend their protest due to the obvious hijack by negative minded elements. 

    “As the curfew imposed by the Governor subsists, We ask all Akwa Ibom people to be on red alert and report to the police and other security agencies, any suspicious movements and persons. Akwa Ibom is all we have as God’s piece of real estate for us and we must take practical steps to protect our collective heritage.” The statement said.

    Meanwhile the state government has extended a 15 hour curfew earlier imposed on the state on Friday night  to Saturday morning due to “developing situations being monitored by the state government and security agencies and the inevitable need to protect citizens and property.

    “Expectedly, there will be a total cessation of movement, except for those on essential duties, who must show a proper identification. All law abiding citizens are advised to remain at home, as security agencies have been briefed to strictly enforce this order.” The statement signed by information commissioner Comrade In Ememobong said.

  • Two killed during protest as A’Ibom declares curfew

    Two killed during protest as A’Ibom declares curfew

    By Samuel Ogenyi, Uyo

    Two persons have been allegedly shot dead at Ibom plaza, at the heart of Uyo metropolis following confrontation between EndSARS protesters and security agents on Thursday evening.

    One bank has also been reportedly burnt as the protest which has been peaceful in Uyo became violent.

    It was gathered that trouble started when a vehicle belonging to one of the security agencies was denied passage through the popular Ibom plaza by protesters who have occupied the facility since Monday.

    They were said to have shot sporadically into the air to ward off protesters who were ready to pounce on them only for the stray bullet to hit two of the protesters.

    It was learnt that the protesting youths chased the vehicle, which was able to meander its way through some side streets around the plaza area untill they were able to escape from their pursuers.

    Already some government offices were said to have been torched by the protesters who had earlier in the afternoon stormed the entrance of Idongesit Nkanga Secretariat, displacing unsuspecting workers who fled at sight of the approaching troops.

    Report available to newsmen also have it that there was also another clash between the protesters who insisted on matching to the Government House and the security agencies.

    Major roads in the state capital have become deserted as people quickly took refuge in their homes to avoid being cut in cross fire.

    Meanwhile the state government has declared a one day curfew in a desperate move to quel violence which greeted the EndSARS protests Thursday evening in Uyo and other parts of the state.

    A statement declaring the curfew from the state Information Commmissioner, Barr Ini Ememobong said the curfew would in the first instance last from 9pm on Thursday to noon on Friday.

    “Due to the violent manifestations of some persons masquerading as #EndSARS protesters trying to create chaos this evening, in Uyo, the capital city of Akwa Ibom state, HE the Governor of Akwa Ibom state, Mr. Udom Emmanuel has declared a curfew effective 9pm today, Thursday, 22nd October,2020 till midday tomorrow, Friday, 23rd October, 2020.

    “This action is taken to protect lives and property of citizens and the restoration of Law and Order in our state. Within the period of this curfew, there will be an absolute cessation of movement, except for essential service providers, who must show a valid means of identification.

    “We urge all law abiding citizens to stay at home during the period of this curfew.” It said.

  • Plateau State Govt. relaxes curfew

    Plateau State Govt. relaxes curfew

    The Plateau State Government on Thursday relaxed the curfew earlier imposed on Jos North and South Local Government Areas.

    Tension in Jos over corpse of 25 year old boy

    The announcement Followed resolutions reached at a high-level stakeholders’ meeting chaired by the Executive Governor of Plateau State, Rt. Hon. Simon Bako Lalong, one of which is the need for stakeholders to immediately engage their communities across the state in systematic Peace dialogues aimed at de-escalating tension in the state.

    According to Lalong, the government decided on Thursday to relax the curfew earlier imposed on Jos North and South Local Government Areas from 6 am to 8 pm as from Friday, October 23, 2020, until further notice.

    This decision was reached after painstaking deliberations with critical stakeholders and careful assessment of the security situation that led to the skirmishes in some parts of the affected local government areas, last Tuesday.

    Lalong said “Please note that the government is not unmindful of citizens’ Constitutional Rights to hold a lawful assembly or stage peaceful protests as long as these are carried out within the extant laws of Nigeria.

    “As a Government, we also appreciate the fact that these are the variables that further deepen our democracy.

    “However, as a deliberate approach to prevent a repeat of last Tuesday’s ugly incident where precious human lives and property were lost, the Government has for now also resolved to ban forthwith any processions and protests under whatever guise in order to safeguard the lives all citizens of the state.”

    The Secretary to State Government, Prof. Danladi Atu in a statement on Thursday, said, this is to enable the Government to isolate and deal with those who are bent on disrupting the peace of the State.

    “By this notice, we urge all law abiding citizens to go about their legitimate businesses without fear of molestation as the government has put all necessary measures in place to ensure the maintenance of law and order across the state,” he explained.

    He said for the avoidance of doubt, the Plateau State government has already set machinery in motion to address the demands raised by the protesters.

    He added, “In this light, the government has constituted a committee headed by a retired High Court Judge, Justice Philomena Lot which has since swung into action and ready to receive petitions from those who have cases.

    “We sue for understanding and patience from all and sundry as the government takes decisive steps to address the demands of the protesters in the coming weeks.

    “We, therefore, call on all citizens to avoid any action that is inimical to the overall development of the state especially those that threaten the peace and unity of our people.”

  • BREAKING: Edo State Government Declares 24-Hour Curfew

    BREAKING: Edo State Government Declares 24-Hour Curfew

    The Edo State Government has announced the imposition of a 24-hour curfew across the state.

    The curfew is to take effect from 4:00 pm, October 19, 2020, till further notice.

    This was announced by the secretary to the state government, Osarodion Ogie.

    Ogie said the imposition of the curfew was due to the incidents of vandalism and attacks carried out by hoodlums who hijacked the #ENDSARS protests.

    “This decision has become necessary because of the very disturbing incidents of vandalism and attacks on private individuals and institutions by hoodlums in the guise of the #ENDSARS protests.

    “While the government of Edo State respects the rights of its citizens to undertake legitimate protests, it cannot sit idly when hoodlums have taken laws into their hands to cause mayhem on innocent citizens and the state,” Ogie said.

    Schools and businesses are to shutdown activities accordingly, following the announcement.

    Those who cannot move safely are advised to stay put between now and 4:00pm till calmness is restored.

    Suspected hoodlums had earlier on Monday morning hijacked the #EndSARS Protests in Benin City.

    The Special Adviser to Governor Godwin Obaseki on Media, Crusoe Osagie, told Channels Television that the hoodlums exchanged fire with security operatives at the Maximum prison in Benin City.

    “The hoodlums are currently exchanging fire with the security personnel at the Maximum security prison in Oko, Benin City,” Osagie told Channels Television.

    The hoodlums can be seen in videos invading the Benin Medium security prison on Sapele Road, releasing some inmates.

  • Adamawa Government Relaxed Curfew Imposed on Crisis Communities.

    Adamawa Government Relaxed Curfew Imposed on Crisis Communities.

    By Musa Isa Ahmed

    The Adamawa State Government has relaxed the curfew imposed on some communities of Guyuk Local Government Area following recent disturbances in the area and the neighbouring Lamurde Local Government.

    However, the relaxation of the curfew excludes Boshikiri and Dumna towns in Guyuk Local Government as well as Lafiya town in Lamurde Local Government Area.

    Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri assures that Government will not leave anything to chance until peace is restored to the area, warning that anybody caught flouting the curfew in the three communities of Lafiya, Dumna and Boshikiri will have himself to blame as security agencies have been directed to ensure strict observance of the curfew.

    Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri said people must learn to be their brothers keeper especially at this difficult period where the world has been forced to a new normal of keeping to COVID-19 protocols and its attendant economic consequences.

    The Governor insists that those sponsoring violence must desist in order for peace to reign.

    The Governor said “Our hard earned peace must be sustained as its our social contract with the people”.

    He appealed to the people to maintain peace, guaranteeing the protection of lives and property of the people.

    Governor Fintiri advised residents to exercise restraint and remain calm as the committee set up to investigate the crisis continue with its work, assuring that Government is doing everything possible to maintain peace in the state.

  • COVID-19: Obiano closes market, imposes curfew

    COVID-19: Obiano closes market, imposes curfew

    The Anambra State Governor Willie Obiano has announced the closure of Eke Awka Central market from Monday next week.

    A public service announcement by the Secretary to the Anambra State Government, Prof Solo Chukwulobelu, on Thursday, said the decision was because of fragrant disobedience of COVID-19 protocol by traders and customers.

    The government also imposed a curfew on Awka South Local Government Area where the market is situated from 8 pm to 6 am daily until further notice.

    The announcement stated, “This is to inform the public that effective Monday, 15th June, 2020, Eke Awka Market, in Awka South Local Government will be shut down.

    “This is as a result of non-compliance by the market traders and customers with COVID-19 protocols including wearing of protective face masks, provision of running water and soap for washing of hands and keeping of physical distancing.

    “These actions by the government is as a result of increased cases of COVID-19 in Awka South Local Government.

    “The government is also putting other market leaders and local government councils in the state on notice that a similar curfew action will be taken, and markets in the local government closed down if it is observed that such markets do not observe COVID-19 protocols.”

  • Kaduna residents defy curfew, jog to keep shape

    Kaduna residents defy curfew, jog to keep shape

    Some Kaduna residents have taken advantage of the State Government’s imposed 24-hour curfew to curb Coronavirus pandemic spread, to get their bodies in shape.

    Some of them were seen on Tuesday by 6 a.m. Jogging and trekking while maintaining the social distancing restriction.

    The residents who spoke in separate interviews with our correspondent said that exercise was the only way to keep in shape and maintaining their sanity while the curfew lasts.

    Ms Jenifer Andrew, a banker said she goes out to jog or walk every morning in order to keep in shape.

    “This curfew has provided me the time to get outside my house to jog or walk,” she said.

    A Gym Instructor, Mr Michel Omale, said that with most of the gyms closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and social distance restriction, people were forced to jog outside.

    “The Coronavirus pandemic is limiting where people can go to.

    ”Gyms can become crowded so people go outside the streets for more privacy or nowadays to observe and keep social distancing,” he said.

    Omale said that people had been mindful of keeping the social distancing on the streets while jogging.

    “As I am jogging, I see that when people come around congested areas they move to the other side of the road,” he said.

    A resident in one of the Barnawa Estates, Mr Ehis Emmanuel, who was riding a bike along Barnawa road, said that the number of people out on the streets exercising was the largest he had ever seen on a weekday.

    “With more hours left for people in a day, exercise is a sure way to maintaining our sanity.

    ”To occupy my mind and time, l decided to start biking every day for a round trip of six kilometers.

    “I want to see how many kilometers I can cover on my bike before this coronavirus thing is over,” he said.

    Our correspondent reports that the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development had ordered immediate shutting down of sporting facilities within North West Zone of the state as a result of the fast-spreading Coronavirus.