Abia government has announced a relaxation of the dusk-to-dawn curfews imposed on Aba, Umuahia, Ohafia, Bende, Umunneochi, and Arochukwu local government areas.

The Commissioner for Information, John Kalu, announced this in a statement in Umuahia on Wednesday.

Mr Kalu stated that the curfew would not be from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. as against 8:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m., in Aba and Umuahia, with effect from June 18.

In Ohafia, Bende, Umunneochi, and Arochukwu LGAs, the curfew would be from 8:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. as against 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.

The commissioner noted that the relaxation of the curfew followed noticeable security improvement in the state and neighbouring states.

“Government wishes to advise citizens and residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements to security agents,” he stated.

He admonished residents to ensure full compliance with the new curfew regimes, which, according to him, is subject to further reviews.

The state government imposed a curfew on Aba, Umuahia, Ohafia, and Arochukwu on April 6, following the escalation in security breaches in the areas.

The Abia government later extended the curfew to Bende and Umunneochi LGAs as the violence spread. The commissioner stated that the curfew became necessary to contain the security challenges and ensure the protection of lives and property across the state.