Southeast Governor Opens Up on IPOB Activities, Imposes Curfew as Insecurity Worsens
- Governor Umahi said the numerous attacks in Ebonyi state were perpetrated by hoodlums who are only claiming to be IPOB/ESN members
- The Ebonyi state governor, however, noted that IPOB/ESN have continued to distance themselves from the attacks
- Umahi also imposed curfew in the border area of the southeast state, effective from Wednesday, April 28
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Governor David Umahi of Ebonyi state has said the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) were not responsible for most of the numerous attacks in parts of the state.
Daily Trust reports that the governor stated this on Wednesday, April 29, while briefing newsmen on some issues discussed at the state's security council meeting.
Source: Twitter
Umahi who also the chairman of the Southeast Governors' Forum added that the hoodlums responsible for the attacks hide under the umbrella of IPOB.
Making reference to a recent attack on a bank at Onueke in Ezza South local government area of the state, Umahi said those responsible are "pure bandits".
He said the hoodlums after causing mayhems go on social media to claim they are members of IPOB or ESN.
The Ebonyi state governor, however, noted that IPOB and ESN have continued to deny the attacks just as he added that he is not standing for the groups.
He gave security operatives in the state 72 hours to apprehend the hoodlums and prosecute them in accordance with the law.
Umahi imposes curfew
Meanwhile, the Ebonyi state governor imposed curfew in the border axis of the state starting from Wednesday, April 28, from 8pm to 6am.
The governor also banned all social events such as wake keeping and nightclubbing from 6pm, warning defaulters will be fined N1 million, The Nation reported.
He directed natives doctors and traditional medicine dealers within seven days to register with the state government or face prosecution.
Umahi added that the commissioner in charge of border peace and internal security, the commissioner for health and the state commissioner of police would be empowered with an executive order to arrest and prosecute any offender.
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In another related report, Governor Umahi claimed that most criminals in the southeast perpetrate crimes and claim they are IPOB/ESN members because they believe they will get the sympathy of Nigerians as the groups are rumoured and alleged to be persecuted by the federal government.
He explained that there are bandits and terrorists in all parts of Nigeria, but that these persons are in desperate need of a name or a designation for themselves.
Source: Legit.ng
