There were heavy traffic build-ups in several parts of Port Harcourt and Obio-Akpor, as statewide curfew imposed by Governor Nyesom Wike, is set to begin.
Civil servants and traders hurried home on Tuesday evening in order to beat the curfew which will begin at 7 p.m. and end at 6 a.m.
The state government had reached the decision in order to curtail attacks on security personnel in the state.
No less than 14 police officers were killed during last weekend’s attack at three police formations in Emohua and Obio-Akpor local government areas.
The police, however, put the figures at 7.
Governor Wike had in a state broadcast on Monday said the State security council reviewed the nature of the recent attacks and discovered that the perpetrators, disguised themselves as security officers.
He also disclosed that the perpetrators navigated unhindered from Oyigbo area of the state to launch the attacks.
“However, as a further step towards enhancing our collective safety, we have reviewed the existing night-time curfew across the 23 Local Government Areas, which will now start from 7 p.m. and end at 6 a.m. until further notice from tomorrow 11th May 2021.” He said.
In light of the governor’s order, there was a rush in the state, as residents were seen rushing to get to their various destinations before curfew begins proper.
Blockading of major roads leading in and out of the city by men of the Nigerian Police Force over the fear of attacks also compounded the traffic situation in Port Harcourt.
Major roads in the city are blocked, causing a hike in transportation fare as a result of congestion on the roads.
