BREAKING: Wike Lifts Curfew After 2 Months In Rivers

Nyesom Wike, the governor of Rivers State, has lifted the two-month curfew that had been imposed on the whole state following attacks on security officers and formations in the state by unknown gunmen.

The governor announced that the curfew will be lifted on Wednesday, July 7, 2021.

Wike, who made the announcement during a state broadcast on Tuesday, stressed that the state government recognizes the curfew’s harmful impact on business and the state’s and inhabitants’ social-economic well-being.

Wike’s Special Assistant on Media, Kelvin Ebiri, transmitted the broadcast to newsmen in Port Harcourt in a statement captioned, “Governor Wike removes night curfew on Rivers State.”

The governor stated that the curfew has been relaxed as a result of measurable improvements in the state’s and neighboring states’ security situations.

He added that the government’s major concern and interest in imposing the curfew was and continues to be the state’s security, and that no sacrifice or price is too great for the preservation of lives and property.

“We have decided to lift the existing curfew on the entire state from tomorrow 7th July 2021,” the statement said.

While praising people for their patience and cooperation throughout the curfew, Wike asked them to be vigilant and report any suspicious situations to the appropriate security services.

“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,” he added.

He explained that the state government had in response to the security breaches and premeditated attacks and killing of security officers in some of the neighbouring states by gunmen, imposed a night-time curfew on the state’s land borders with other states on April 28, 2021.

“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 the 11th of 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 7.00pm to 6.00am,” the statement explained.

The governor commended residents of the state for their support, prayer and solidarity even as the government continues to work tirelessly to keep Rivers State safe and secure for all.

Our correspondent recalled that on May 16, 2021, the curfew timeframe was readjusted to 8.30pm to 6.00am for Port Harcourt and Obio/Akpor Local Government Areas only, all of which has now been lifted across the 23 LGAs of the state.