Army, IPOB Clash: Ikpeazu Declares 3 Day Curfew In Aba

Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State has declared three-day curfew in the state’s commercial city of Aba, following heightened tension in the city.

Ikpeazu, in a statement on Tuesday, directed persons residing in Aba to observe a curfew from 6pm to 6am from today (Tuesday) to Thursday.

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The announcement comes hours after men of the Nigerian Army clashed with members of the Independent People of Biafra (IPOB), in Afara – Umuahia, the hometown of the leader of IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu.

It was widely reported that some soldiers of the 14 brigade of Nigerian army stormed the residence of IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu and fired gunshots in the air to scare away his supporters, as they were met with stiff resistance.

Tension has been heightened in the state since 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 Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen. Tukur Buratai, is intended to check secessionist activities within the region, amongst other forms of criminal activities.

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The Abia governor, who condemned the ugly incident, urged residents of the state to go about their normal business without fear and, “not engage in any form of confrontation with military personnel”.

The statement reads in part: “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.

“The 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.

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“Meanwhile, Aba residents are advised to observe a curfew from 6pm to 6am from today 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.”

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