Abia State
Governor, Okezie Ikpeazu has declared three days curfew in the commercial city
of Aba, following the outbreak of skirmishes between some groups in the State,
especially Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) with men of the Nigerian Army.
The Governor
in a statement he personally signed on Tuesday, said the state for the past few
days has been the focus of security searchlight over the development saying
that government had observed the frenzy of activities of members of IPOB within
Afara – Umuahia, the ancestral home of the leader of IPOB for some months now.
According to
him, the state government is equally aware of the recent proclamation by the
Nigerian Army of Operation Python Dance II within the South – East geopolitical
region of Nigeria.
The
operation as declared by the Army is intended to check kidnapping, banditry,
assassination, secessionist activities within the region, amongst other forms
of criminal activities, he said.
He said that
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.
The
statement further said: The Abia State Government unequivocally states 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.
“While the
Government of Abia 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
Nigerian and international standards of engagement with the civil populace,
with due respect to the human rights of citizens and sanctity of human lives.
“The Abia
State Government is committed to the protection of the lives and properties of
its citizens and others residing and doing business within the geographical
entity called Abia State.
“Abians and
others living within Abia, are advised to remain law abiding and carry on their
lawful business without fear, as efforts by Government will be made to reduce
friction between the civil populace and military personnel in the State”.
Meanwhile, Aba
residents are advised to observe a curfew from 6pm to 6am from today 12/09/2017
to 14/09/2017.
“Persons
residing within the State are strongly advised 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.
“The
Government recognizes the constitutional Right to Freedom of Movement for all
Nigerians, but objects to the influx of people into Abia State for purposes of
unsettling the enduring peace in the State.
“Finally,
Abia State will co – operate with security agencies to maintain the rule of law
and order in the State”.
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