Gov. Nyesom Wike of Rivers has announced the relaxation of existing curfew on the entire state beginning from Wednesday, July 7.

The Rivers state government had in response to the security breaches imposed a night-time curfew on the state land borders with other states on April 27

The Governor stated this in a state broadcast on Tuesday in Port Harcourt, saying that government  acknowledged the negative impacts of the curfew on businesses and the social life of residents.

He explained that the review of the curfew was also sequel to the considerable improvement in the security situation of the state as well as other neighbouring states.

The curfew which lasted for two months was a response to the security challenges the state that confronted the state in the early part of the year.

Among other incidents, the insecurity resulted in the murder of seven officers of the Customs, Police and Civil Defense services on their duty posts along the Port Harcourt – Owerri Expressway on Sunday, April 24th 2021. Also, a deadly attack on Monday, April 26th 2021 led to the of officers and men of the Nigerian Army right at their duty post in Abua town in Abua Odual Local Government Area of the State.

The Governor imposed the curfew on April 27 to stave off further similar attacks that could lead to a further deterioration of the security situation.

The Governor had further instructed security personnel to provide increased security surveillance along entry points and the borders the state shares with Abia, Akwa Ibom, Imo and Bayelsa states.

Wike said government’s primary reason of imposing the curfew was to protect lives and property rather than make life difficult for residents.

He thanked residents of Port Harcourt for their understanding and cooperation throughout the duration of the curfew.

He urged the public to remain security conscious and report any suspicious situation to the security agencies for immediate action.

“On our part, we will not fail to deploy every resource at our disposal to ensure the safety of lives and property while advancing the wellbeing of all residents.

“This is the very reason we are clearing the state of shanties that have become veritable sanctuaries for criminals and negative activities across the state.

“Clearly, our actions in this direction are not directed or targeted at any particular person, identity or group,” he said.