The Benue State Government on Wednesday gave reasons for imposing a 24-hour curfew in Ukum Local Government Area (LGA). According to Government the curfew became inevitable following serious security breaches in the area.
The Governor, Hyacinth Alia made this disclosure while briefing newsmen in Makurdi shortly after the State Security Council meeting.
Alia, who was represented by Dep. Gov. Sam Ode said the curfew became imperative to safeguard lives and property in the area.
He said, “Following the wanton destruction of government’s property and threats to lives in the area, it has become imperatives to stop killings in the area.”
He said the Government was surprised by the grave security situation in the LGA.
Alia said the situation had degenerated to the breakdown of law and order and wanton destruction of government property. He described the development as a threat to lives of the people of LGA.”
The Governor stated that the curfew was to ensure the safety and protection of lives and property of the residents.
He, therefore, charged all the stakeholders and security agencies to take note of the measure and ensure strict compliance.
According to him, the curfew would take effect in and around Ukum for 24 hours, from 3 pm today (Wednesday) to 3 pm on Thursday, July 4.
He said, “Thereafter, it will be from 6 pm to 6 am, beginning from Thursday, July 4, until further notice.
“This is the announcement from the Benue State Government’s seat of power,” Alia said.
Recall that a large number of youths on Wednesday took over Ayati -Sai Road in Ukum LGA. They barricaded the road to protest the alleged incessant killings in the LGA.
According to reports, the youths also invaded the Council Secretariat in Zaki Biam. There, they destroyed things to express their displeasure over what they described as the “government’s insensitivity” toward the alleged killings in the area.
The Benue State Police Command in its reaction said that all the tactical teams within the area had arrived to beef up security in the area.
source: PM NEWS
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