Yenagoa—The Bayelsa State government has imposed a dusk-to-dawn curfew on its waterways as part of measures to curtail sea piracy, kidnapping and other criminal activities in the state.
The government made this known on Monday at the end of the 12th state security council meeting presided over by Governor Douye Diri in Government House, Yenagoa.
The government also imposed a ban on the use of 200-horsepower speed boat engines.
Speaking to newsmen on the outcome of the meeting, the special adviser on security matters 1, Mr. Akpoebi Agberebi, stated that the curfew on the state’s waterways will take effect immediately.
Agberebi noted that the curfew will commence from 7 pm and end by 6 am daily.
He revealed that henceforth no permit would be granted for use of 200-horsepower engines, warning that violators would face the full weight of the law.
He, however, averred that there would be a concession for emergency movement during the curfew hours.
Agberebi urged Bayelsans to always report perpetrators of crime to the state security outfit, Operation Doo-Akpo, on its dedicated phone line 07006464644.
Earlier, Governor Diri stated the newly posted commissioner of police to Bayelsa, Mr. Benjamin Okolo, would curb criminality in the state going by his profile.
He urged the new police boss to synergize, collaborate and partner with sister security agencies and the state government in particular to achieve zero tolerance in crime.
“Let me welcome our newest member to this council, the Commissioner of Police, Ben Okolo. On behalf of members of the state security council, I welcome you to this meeting.
“We believe by your profile, you would add value to the security council as well as to our state and ensure that crime and criminality are brought to zero level.
“The creed of this council is that we have zero tolerance for crime and criminality. So we welcome you and believe that you will synergise, collaborate and partner with sister security agencies and with the state government,” Diri affirmed.
