Benue council imposes curfew on Gboko town after deadly protest

The Executive Chairman of Gboko Local Government Area, Benue State, Barrister Toseer Yina, has imposed an immediate dusk-to-dawn curfew on Gboko town as part of urgent measures to contain violent unrest.

He also announced the immediate suspension of the executive council of the Benue Motorcycle Hirers Association (BEMOA), Gboko branch.

The decisions followed a breakdown of law and order in Gboko town after the death of a BEMOA member who was killed by suspected gunmen.

Members of the association took to the streets in protest, but the demonstration was hijacked by hoodlums and turned violent, resulting in the burning of two vehicles belonging to the Benue State Civil Protection Guards.

In a statement signed by the Secretary of the Gboko Local Government Security Council, Vincent Akaakohol Nev, the chairman warned that anyone caught violating the curfew or breaching public peace would be decisively dealt with.

The statement, however, clarified that persons and vehicles engaged in essential services were exempt from the curfew.

Security operatives have been directed to enforce the order strictly.