C-River Gov Tackles Cult Groups, Imposes Curfew In Two LGAs
- Cautions residents, visitors in Akpabuyo, Bakassi
BY UBON EKANEM, CALABAR – Determined to curb the criminal activities of deadly cult groups as well as forestall a breakdown of law and order within the State, Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River has imposed a dust to dawn curfew in two Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the State.
The affected LGAs are Akpabuyo and Bakassi currently witnessing incessant cult clashes among rival groups and a high level of kidnapping activities.
The curfew, which takes immediate effect, would last between 8pm and 6am daily until further notice, according to a statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof Anthony Owan Enoh.
The statement said the action became imperative to ensure the safety and security of residents and visitors to the areas against the backdrop of increasing criminal activities and frequent skirmishes among deadly gangs.
It also urged motorists and residents of the area affected by the curfew to reschedule their movements and abide strictly by the order to avoid unpleasant consequences in the hands of security operatives.
Accordingly, security has been beefed up in the area with a large contingent of operatives drafted to enforce the order with strict directives to be firm in maintaining law and order.
Competent sources within the security circles told Forefront News that the unwholesome activities of these criminal groups have almost brought economic activities to a standstill in the affected Council areas.
Specifically, sources hinted that the criminalities and lawlessness exhibited by these amorphous groups have hindered free flow of traffic and easy movement of goods and services to and from the affected local government areas.
The two LGAs are seaward coastal boundaries of the state and criminal elements have progressively taken undue advantage of the porous security nature of the areas to make life uncomfortable for innocent people who eke out their living through maritime activities.
