Governor Okezie Ikpeazu has declared a three-day
dusk-to-dawn curfew in Absolute, Abia State, following repeated clashes between
Nigerian soldiers and separatist agitators.
The governor said the state will continue to subscribe to
the supremacy of the Nigerian Constitution and work with the federal government
to forestall seccessionist threats.
The governor also noted that the clash is directly linked to
the deployment of soldiers across South-East as part of the rejuvenated
Operation Python Dance.
The curfew begins at 6:00 p.m. Tuesday and will last until
September 14.
The announcement comes amidst growing skirmish between
Nigerian soldiers and pro-Biafra separatists led by Nnamdi Kanu.
Soldiers clashed with the separatists this afternoon, two
days after similar clash left at least three persons injured, including a
policeman and a soldier.
Mr. Kanu’s lawyers say the IPOB leader had been placed on
house arrest in his ancestral neighborhood of Afaraukwu, a suburb of Umuahia,
the state capital
Bellow is the full statement as signed by the governor
moments ago:
Abia State has for the past few days been the focus of
security searchlight occasioned by the reported skirmish between some groups in
the State, especially Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) with men of the
Nigerian Army. Government notes and has observed the frenzy of activities of
members of IPOB within Afara – Umuahia, the ancestral home of the leader of
IPOB for some months now.
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.
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 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.
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 fromtoday 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.
Okezie Ikpeazu PhD
Governor, Abia State
More to come!
Source: Premium Times
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