IMO: Uzodinma Imposes Curfew In Orlu After Clash Between Soldiers And IPOB

Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma has imposed dusk to dawn curfew in 10 local government areas of Orlu zone, following a clash between the Nigerian Soldiers and members of Eastern Security Network (ESN) set up by the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB).

KanyiDaily had earlier reported that there was violent clash between soldiers and IPOB’s eastern security network in Orlu, leading to many injuries and deaths.

Reacting in a statement issued on Monday, Governor Uzodimma expressed shock over the killings which he attributed to a group of “militants”.

Governor Uzodinma imposed a 12-hour curfew in Orlu, Orsu, Oru East, Oru West, Ideato North, Ideao South, Njaba, Isu, Nwangele, and Nkwerre.

He also gave a matching order on security agencies to immediately arrest those behind the incident and bring them to book, noting that government condemns the acts of extreme hooliganism and brigandage.

“This afternoon, I received a very disturbing report on the activities of a group of militants who unleashed a shooting spree in the Orlu area of the state, killing and maiming innocent citizens in the process,” he said.

“I am totally appalled by this sad report which appears to paint a picture of near breakdown of law and order in the Orlu area. The government condemns in its entirety this act of extreme hooliganism and brigandage.

“This is completely unacceptable to this administration. Those behind this callous barbarism will surely regret their actions.

“Consequently, I have directed the security agencies to fish out, without fail, all those behind the carnage and immediately bring them to book.

“Let no one be in any doubt that the perpetrators of this dastardly act will ever escape justice. I assure them that they will pay for their cruelty against a peace loving, innocent people.

“As an interim measure to immediately restore the peace in Orlu zone, a dusk-to-dawn curfew (6 pm to 6 am) is hereby imposed in the following Local Government Areas of Orlu zone; namely; Orlu, Orsu, Oru East, Oru West, Ideato North, Ideao South, Njaba, Isu, Nwangele and Nkwerre.

“All law-abiding citizens are advised to comply strictly with the curfew as announced. Anyone caught violating the curfew will be treated as a suspect.”

The governor also noted that the situation has been brought under control, while security operatives have been deployed on a 24-hour patrol of the area.

“Equally, every security measure necessary has been put in place to ensure that law-abiding citizens can go about their businesses in the affected areas without any fear of molestation,” he added.

“The government sincerely condoles with the families of the bereaved and all the victims of the unfortunate incident. I assure them that those who committed the heinous crime against them and their loved ones will never go unpunished.”

KanyiDaily had also reported how three IPOB members and two Nigerian police officers lost their lives during a clash in Nnamdi Kanu lawyer’s home in Anambra State.