The Ukwuani Local Government Area of Delta State has imposed a dusk-to-dawn curfew on Obiaruku, headquarters of the council, following rising tension occasioned by cult clashes in the community.
The Secretary of the council, Mr Chukunedum Dafikpaku, confirmed the development in a statement on Monday.
He said all security agencies, particularly the police, had been directed to enforce the curfew and ensure that there was no movement of people, motorcycles or vehicles during the curfew hours.
The statement read in part, “As a result of rising tension in Obiaruku due to cult clashes that had taken two lives within the last 24 hours, the Executive Chairman, Mr Possible Solomon Ajede, has imposed a dusk-to-dawn curfew on Obiaruku from 8pm to 6am daily with effect from Sunday, September 26, 2021 till further notice.
“The good people of Ukwuani, residents, owners and operators of public places and establishments in Obiaruku are strongly advised to fully comply with this directive, as there will be strict enforcement of the curfew by security agencies in line with the directive of the local government council.”
Recall that a similar curfew was imposed on Orhoakpor community in the Ethiope East LGA of Delta State following the murder of a community leader, Mr Anthony Oreh, by suspected cultists.
The late Oreh was said to be a former vice president of the community.
The management of the council attributed the curfew to “the rising threats to the safety of lives and property in Orhoakpor community.”