Curfew declared, troops occupy Imo community over killing of four soldiers

File photo: Hope Uzodimma

The Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma, on Monday declared a dusk-to-dawn curfew in 12 local government areas of the Imo West Senatorial District.

The governor’s action is coming after some hoodlums on a shooting spree on Monday, allegedly killed four soldiers.

Apart from killing the soldiers, the hoodlums were said to have set part of Orlu on fire.

The hoodlums were said to have operated from a forest between Orlu and Orsu LGAs.

A source said, “The men emerged from the bush, set part of the town on fire. They equally shot leading to the death of four soldiers.

“As we speak, military and policemen have taken over Orlu town. We are afraid of our lives. This is very unfortunate and we didn’t bargain for it.”

Meanwhile, Uzodimma in a statement condemned the “carnage” in the state.

Uzodinma said that he had instructed security agencies to apprehend the fleeing killers.

The governor said, “This afternoon, I received a very disturbing report on the activities of a group of militants who unleashed a shooting spree in the Orlu area of the state, killing and maiming innocent citizen in the process.

“I am totally appalled by this sad report which appears to paint a picture of the near breakdown of law and order in the Orlu area. The government condemns in its entirety this act of extreme hooliganism and brigandage.

“Consequently, I have directed the security agencies to fish out without fail, all those behind the carnage and immediately bring them to book. Let no one be in any doubt that the perpetrators of this dastardly act will ever escape justice.

“As an interim measure to immediately restore the peace in Orlu zone, a dusk to dawn curfew (6 pm to 6 am) is hereby imposed in the following local government areas namely; Orlu, Orsu, Oru East, Oru West, Ideato North, Ideao South, Njaba, Isu, Nwangele and Nkwerre.

“All law-abiding citizens are advised to comply strictly with the curfew as announced. Anyone caught violating the curfew will be treated as a suspect.”