Olusegun Samuel in Yenagoa
Amid growing insecurity in the state waterways and as part of measures to curtail sea piracy, kidnapping and other criminal activities, the Bayelsa State Government has imposed a dusk-to-dawn curfew on its waterways.
The curfew on water transportation, which took immediate effect, is between 7p.m. and 6a.m. The government also imposed a ban on the use of 200- horsepower speed boats.
These measures were announced last Monday evening at the end of the 12th state Security Council meeting presided by the state Governor, Douye Diri, at the Government House in Yenagoa.
Briefing journalists on the outcome of the meeting, the Special Adviser on Security Matters 1, Mr. Akpoebi Agberebi, said henceforth, no permit would be granted for the use of 200-horsepower engines, warning that violators will face the full weight of the law.
He, however, said there would be concession for emergency movement during the curfew hours, while also calling on Bayelsans to feel free to report perpetrators to the state security outfit, Operation Doo-Akpo, on its dedicated phone line 07006464644.
Agberebi also said the council resolved that communities whose lands had been acquired by the state government should desist from any form of
protests.
He stated that some communities still parading as land owners have been constituting nuisance by taking the laws into their hands and depriving other citizens the freedom of movement.
Earlier in his charge to the new state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Benjamin Okolo, the governor expressed optimism that by his profile, he would add value to the state by curbing crimes. Diri urged the new police boss to synergise, collaborate and partner sister security agencies and the state in particular to achieve zero tolerance in crime.
He said: “Let me welcome our newest member to this council, the state Commissioner of Police, Ben Okolo. On behalf of members of the state security council, I welcome you to this meeting.
“We believe that by your profile, you would add value to the Security Council as well as to our state and ensure that crimes are brought to zero level.
“The creed of this council is that we have zero tolerance for crimes. So we welcome you, and believe that you will synergise, collaborate and partner sister security agencies in the state.
