Fides Media Living the Faith
The Government of Anambra State has clarified that the curfew declared by Governor Chukwuma Soludo in the state does not affect human movement but only three classes of vehicles, namely shuttle buses, tricycles (keke) and commercial motorcycles (okada), in eight local government areas.
The local government areas include; Aguata, Ihiala, Ekwusigo, Nnewi North, Nnewi South, Ogbaru, Orumba North.
The government’s clarification comes in the wake of complaints that security agencies and the vigilance service of the affected places had been harassing individuals and motor vehicle owners.
In a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr Christian Aburime, and made available to newsmen in Awka, the curfew prohibited motorcycles (okada), tricycles (keke), and shuttle buses from operating in the local government areas from 6pm to 6am till further notice.
The statement read in part, ‘Until the Monday Sit-at-home completely stops, motorcycles, keke and shuttle buses are banned from operating in these eight local government areas of Aguata, Ihiala, Ekwusigo, Nnewi North, Nnewi South, Ogbaru, Orumba North and Orumba South.
‘Youths of every community in the affected council areas are enjoined to assist the security agencies to implement the government policy and are mandated to seize any such motorcycle or tricycle on the spot.
‘Local Vigilantes have also been authorised to report such motorcycles, tricycles (keke) or shuttle buses immediately, and they will be confiscated by government and the owner prosecuted.’
The release directed okada, keke, and shuttle bus union leaders to take responsibility and report their members who were involved in any criminal activities.
‘The Anambra State Government shall review the policy after two weeks, and if members of these unions continue to be involved in criminal activities, the government will have no choice but to either disband the unions and/or ban them out rightly in the state.
‘For the avoidance of doubt, Ndi Anambra or residents who are on lawful engagements are not to be intimidated or molested by security agents but are advised to be conscious of their security and report or forward information about suspicious activities around them or their communities to the following numbers which are managed in the strictest confidentiality at the Governor’s Office:
‘09017280990, 07039896429, 09167514891, 09076237441, 09168041120, 08093175528, 08124153139.’