Residents of Aba, the commercial nerve of Abia State and its environs have hissed sigh of relief following the decision of the state governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu to lift the curfew imposed on Aba at the heat of the crisis that erupted between members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and personnel of the Nigerian Army.
Ikpeazu had on September 12 imposed 6pm to 6am indefinite curfew on Aba which later changed to 10pm to 6am as a security measure to restrict movement of people while government and other security agencies in the state were making frantic efforts to contain the security threats in Aba after yet-to-be identified persons set the Ariaria Police Station ablaze using petrol bomb.
Residents who spoke to our reporter on Thursday stated that they were happy that the governor has decided to lift the curfew.
They expressed hope that night life which has been grounded in the past one month would gradually come alive as it was the case in the past.
A fast food vendor who identified himself as Kelechi who sells food at night near Aba Main Park lamented the effect of the curfew on his business, stating “business has been at its lowest ebb in the last one month due to the government’s restriction on movement of people and vehicles in and out of Aba.
“With this ban on movement of vehicles and persons being lifted and trading hours now elongated, we expect that our night business will improve. We expect that social life will also improve”.
A shoe maker at Ariaria International market who corroborated Kelechi’s position said that they (shoe makers) would be at the advantage of the end of the curfew as they expect to have more customers from different parts of Africa coming to buy from them especially as they approach November when many people come to buy what they will sell or use for Christmas.
A release issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the State Governor, Mr. Enyinnaya Appolos said that the state government after reviewing the security situation in Aba and its environs decided to rest the curfew because of the improved security situation and peace which has since returned to Aba after the unrest.
According to the release, the Governor thanked heads of security agencies in the state for rising to the challenge of nipping insecurity in the bud and also called on Aba residents and visitors to the commercial city to remain vigilant while they go about their lawful businesses without any fear of intimidation and harassment by any person.
“The Governor wishes to also express his appreciation to Aba residents, visitors and security agents for ensuring compliance with the curfew which was imposed to ensure the preservation of lives and properties.
Governor Ikpeazu wishes to appeal to residents and visitors to remain vigilant to ensure that the prevailing peace and tranquility in the commercial city is not threatened or breached.”
