From Femi Folaranmi, Yenagoa
The Bayelsa State Government has imposed a dusk to dawn curfew on Nembe Basaambiri(Opu Nembe) in Nembe Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
The State Commissioner for Information, Orientation and Strategy, Hon Ayibaina Crowther Duba in a statement said the curfew which was to ensure the crisis rocking the community does to escalate.
Crisis had engulfed the community over leadership tussle among the youths which had led to factions in the youths body.
According to investigations unknown gunmen believed to be loyal to one of the factions had invaded the community on Sunday in the bid to attack some youths of the community. However soldiers stationed in the community assisted by some youths were able to repel them. During the shoot-out one Ibeinmo Victor was shot dead.
Findings indicated fears were rife in the community over report that the gunmen had concluded plans to invade the community again.
It was learnt that the King, HRM Biobelemoye Josiah, Ogbodo VIII had visited the community to sue for calm.
Duba in the statement said the curfew which takes effect from Wednesday July 14 appealed for calm noting that government is working to resolve all issues that led to crisis.
The statement read in part: “Bayelsa State Government has reviewed the reports of violent crisis in Nembe leading to a breach of the public peace and the law by yet to be indentified individuals.
“Worried that the violence might escalate, a dusk to dawn curfew is hereby imposed on Nembe; Bassambiri, Ogbolomabiri and environs effective from Wednesday, 14 July, 2021.
“The curfew shall be in force from 6pm to 6am daily, until the security situation in the affected communities improves. Relevant Security formations have been mobilized to enforce the dusk to dawn curfew. Residents of the area are therefore advised to comply in their own interest.
“Government further wishes to implore residents of Nembe and aggrieved individuals in the area to allow peace to reign by seeking civilized alternatives to resolving whatever might have caused the recent unfortunate situation.”