Following the incessant killings and kidnappings the Akwa Ibom State has imposed curfew in Ukanafun and Etim Ekpo local government areas of Akwa Ibom State.
The decision of the governor was conveyed through a signed statement by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Charles Udoh.
The curfew, according to Udoh, runs from 6 p.m. to 7 a.m. daily.
The government has also banned the use of motorcycles in Ukanafun, Etim Ekpo, Ikot Ekpene, Eket and Ika local government areas of Akwa Ibom from 6 p.m. to 7 a.m daily.
Government said the restriction of movement of motorcycles in the affected communities in the state was part of the efforts to curb insecurity in the affected communities.
“Government restates the continued ban on the use of motorcycles within Uyo capital city. These directives take immediate effect. Offenders will be arrested and prosecuted accordingly. His Excellency, the Governor, reiterates his commitment to ensuring continued safety of lives and properties in the state and urges all law-abiding citizens, residents and visitors to cooperate with security operatives in this pursuit,” the release added.
It would be recalled that on November 2017, the Akwa Ibom Police Command had banned the use of motorcycles in Etim Ekpo and Ukanafun communities from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. amid the growing insecurity in the areas which still persists while the ban on the riders in Uyo metropolis was enforced over four years ago.
The latest action by the government comes 24 hours after Governor Udom Emmanuel signed into law an order proscribing cult activities in the state on Monday.
The order to be cited as “The Cultism and Other Violent Behaviour Prohibition Order 2018,” takes effect from March 12, 2018.
He stated that the action was carried out in exercise of the powers conferred on him by Section 70 of the Criminal Code Law, Cap 38, volume 2 laws of Akwa Ibom State 2000.
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He added that the prohibition order was to re-energize the already existing law banning the operations of secret cults in the state.
He noted that recent reports on security issues in Etim Ekpo, Ukanafun and Ikot Ekpene local government areas, warranted the state government’s action in that direction, stressing that the order was binding on all the 31 Local Government Areas.
“So, it is actually the law of Akwa Ibom State and not the law for any or few Local Government Areas.”
The state governor therefore implored other communities in the state who were maintaining peaceful atmosphere, to continue exhibiting decorum in their conduct and activities.
He reiterated that the state government was committed to the maintenance of peace and security.
