More Abians have applauded the extension of the ongoing curfew to others cities in Abia State, saying that the inclusion of Umunneochi and Bende towns in the list of towns where the curfew is operational is a welcome development.
The President of Umuahia Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (UCCIMA), Chief Chidi Aruoma ,commended the state government for its efforts in ensuring the security of the people, adding that the gesture will lead to the promotion of commerce and industry in the state as investors are always eager to invest in a secured environment.
Similarly, Barr Obinna Mba noted with satisfaction the extension of the curfew to other cities like Bende and Umunneochi, saying that it will help to secure and self-guard lives and property of the people and give all Abia residents a sense of belonging.
Before now, only towns like Umuahia, Aba, Ohafia and Arochukwu are the ones covered by the curfew, a situation that made people call for its extension to other bustling cities to ensure adequate security across the state.
Our reporter reports that in order to ensure adequate security in Abia State, the state government on Tuesday extended the curfew already in place. A statement from the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Barr Chris Ezems directed the extension of the curfew regime to Umunneochi and Bende LGAs of the State.
The statement reads:, “Sequel to the subsisting curfew imposed by Abia State Government between the hours of 8pm-6am in Aba, Umuahia, Ohafia and Arochukwu, the Governor, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu, has directed the extension of the curfew regime to Umunneochi and Bende LGAs of the State.
“The new curfew regime is therefore as follows; Aba and Umuahia municipal areas: 8pm to 6am daily. Ohafia, Umunneochi, Bende and Arochukwu LGAs: 6pm to 6am daily. Only those on essential duties with proper identification are exempted from the curfew.
“Furthermore, all Executive Chairmen of the 17 Local Government Areas are by this notice directed to urgently deploy local Vigilante Groups in their domains to support conventional security agencies to enforce the curfew and effectively safeguard lives and property in their respective LGAs”.
Uche Nwosu is a two time Shell Petroleum PLC award winner in the year 2000;
He won the Shell Award on Investigative Journalism and Environmental Cleanliness.
