IMO: Uzodinma declares dawn-dusk curfew in 12 LGAs as hoodlums kill 4 soldiers

GOVERNOR Hope Uzodinma has imposed dusk-dawn curfew in 12 local government areas in the state.

All the LGAs are in Imo West Senatorial District.

Uzodinma took the decision to prevent a spontaneous security challenge which erupted yesterday from escalating.

Four soldiers were allegedly killed on Monday when some hoodlums went on shooting spree in the state.

The hoodlums reportedly set part of  Orlu on fire, even after killing the soldiers.

The hoodlums were said to have operated from a forest between Orlu and Orsu LGAs.

A source said, “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.”

Reacting to the ugly development in a statement issued on Monday evening, Governor Uzodinma, condemned the “carnage” in the state.

Uzodinma said that he had instructed security agencies to apprehend the fleeing killers.

He 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.”