Rivers Governor Nyesom Wike has imposed a 24-hour curfew for two weeks around the Okoro-Nu-Odu flyover in Rumuokoro, Obio-Akpor Local Government Area following upsurge of cult violence.
The Governor also warned that government would deal appropriately with anyone disturbing the peace and security of the state
Wike, in a statewide broadcast, explained the decision to impose the curfew was taken after the State Security Council meeting on Sunday in Port Harcourt.
He explained the government was seriously disturbed by the recent upsurge of cult activities, related violence and killings around the affected areas.
The Governor, in a statement by his Special Assistant, Media, Kelvin Ebiri, said the government had repeatedly warned misguided youths against cultism because of its abhorrent anti-social effect on society.
He said: “As part of measures to tackle this menace therefore, Government has imposed a 24-hour total curfew for two weeks on the entire area along and around the Okoro-nodu flyover up to one-kilometer radius from Saint Emmanuel Anglican Church, Rumuokoro, extending to the Rumuodomaya slaughter and Local Government daily market with effect from Monday 23rd November 2020.
“Consequently, no form of trading, human or vehicular movement is allowed within the afore-mentioned restricted areas until further notice.
“Only staff and vehicles belonging to Julius Berger Nigeria Limited are exempted from the curfew and associated restrictions on movement so that construction work on the Okoro-Nu-Odu flyover is not stalled.”
The Governor directed security agencies to enforce strict compliance of the curfew and arrest and summarily prosecute any person, trader or vehicle violating the order.

By Mike Odigwe