THE Bayelsa State Government has imposed an immediate 24-hour curfew on the Biseni community in Yenagoa Local Government Area following a violent protest by youths over the lack of infrastructure and basic amenities in the area.
News Point Nigeria reports that several buildings belonging to traditional chiefs in the community were set on fire during the protest, which reportedly escalated amid growing frustration over the absence of electricity, good roads and other essential facilities.
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Governor Douye Diri announced the curfew on Friday in a statement issued by his press secretary, Mr Daniel Alabrah, explaining that the directive followed a breakdown of law and order in the community.
The governor said the curfew took immediate effect following briefings from security commanders on the security situation in Biseni, where some unscrupulous elements had reportedly barricaded roads leading into and within the town, while making bonfires.
Diri also directed security operatives to take the necessary measures to restore law and order, peace and security in the community.
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He advised responsible members of the community to remain law-abiding, assuring them that the government would continue to take measures to guarantee the safety of lives and property in Biseni.
Meanwhile, tension reportedly escalated in the community after youths took to the streets to protest against the lack of electricity, good roads and other basic amenities, which they argued should be provided by the oil-producing company operating in the area.
Reports indicated that a meeting was subsequently held between the protesting youths and representatives of some groups, during which assurances were reportedly given that their demands would be considered.
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However, the situation reportedly took another turn after one of the youths was allegedly arrested over claims that he sponsored some youths to block the oil company’s access road.
The development came amid rising tensions over the community’s demands for improved infrastructure and basic amenities, prompting the Bayelsa State Government to impose the curfew and direct security operatives to restore normalcy.
