The State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has reacted to the curfew placed on the State and the closure of its land boarders by Governor Nyesom Wike following the spate of violence and killings in the State.
The party said no price is too much to pay when it comes to the protection of lives and property.
APC Spokesperson, Chief Ogbonna Nwuke told newsmen in Port-Harcourt, the State capital on Wednesday that there were moves by some unknown persons to undermine the peace and stability of the State.
“In the last one week, our State has been under attack by unknown persons who are determined to undermine the peace and security of the State.
“We think that the decision to impose a curfew around the State’s land border communities may be part of a security arrangement agreed upon by security agencies.”
“We believe that no price is too big to pay when it comes to the protection of lives and property. As a responsible Party, the APC agrees with the move to impose such a curfew.”
“We urge the Rivers people to do whatever is possible to frustrate any attempt by unknown persons to disturb the peace.”
It would be recalled that Governor Wike in a State broadcast Tuesday, imposed a night curfew on all entry and exit points with Abia, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa and Imo States.
Governor Wike said the curfew which takes effect from Wednesday night, is necessitated by the recent security breaches and deadly attacks on security personnel by some yet-to -be identified gunmen in the State.
He had said:”The Government of Rivers State has decided to restrict night movements into and out of the State from the land borders of the State.”
“Consequently , a night curfew is hereby imposed and no person or vehicle is allowed into and out of Rivers State from 8.00 p.m. to 6.00 a.m. from tomorrow (Wednesday) April 28, 2021 until further notice.
“We wish to advise that those who have any legitimate need or reason to come into or go out of the State must do so before 8.00 p.m. when the curfew shall come into force daily.”
The Governor said security agencies have been posted to monitor and enforce strict compliance of the curfew at all borders and or entry and exit points with Abia, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa and Imo States.
He explained that on Saturday, some Customs, Police and Civil Defence officers on their duty posts along the Port- Harcourt-Owerri Expressway were ambushed and gruesomely murdered in cold blood by armed attackers.
Similarly, on Sunday, the State witnessed another deadly attack and killing of officers and men of the Nigerian Army right on their duty post in Abua/ Odual Local Government Area of the State.
Governor Wike noted that although security agencies were investigating the attacks with a view to bringing the perpetrators to justice, nobody yet knows where and when the next attack would take place.
“Neither do we also know the motives of the deranged characters or group behind these senseless assault on our State and the lives of security operatives working to keep us safe and secure.”
“However , what is obvious is that the attackers and their sponsors are people who came from outside Rivers State, and as a Government, we are determined to do everything within our powers to prevent the re-occurrence of such senseless and murderous acts aimed at creating an atmosphere of gross insecurity and panic among the citizens.”
“In view of what is going on therefore and its implications to the security of the State and citizens, and in discharge of our constitutional responsibility in that regard, the Government of Rivers State has decided to restrict night movements into and out of the State from the land borders of the State, “he concluded.