Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma on Monday declared dusk-to-dawn curfew in 12 local government areas of the Imo West Senatorial District.
The declaration of curfew followed shooting spree by gunmen believed to be members of the Eastern Security Network of the Indigenous People of Biafra on Monday, allegedly killing four soldiers.
The hoodlums also set some buildings in Orlu on fire.
“The men emerged from the bush, set part of the town on fire. They equally shot leading to the death of four soldiers.
“As we speak, military and policemen have taken over Orlu town. We are afraid of our lives. This is very unfortunate and we didn’t bargain for it,” a source said.
Uzodimma in a statement condemned the incident and urged security forces to arrest the suspects.
The governor said, “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, illing and maiming innocent citizen in the process.
“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.
“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.
“As an interim measure to immediately restore the peace in Orlu zone, a dusk to dawn curfew (6pm to 6am) is hereby imposed in the following local government areas 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.”
