Bayelsa govt imposes curfew as protesters burn chiefs’ houses

The Bayelsa State Government has instituted a 24-hour curfew in the Biseni community, located within Yenagoa Local Government Area, in response to a violent protest by youths demanding better infrastructure. According to reports, several buildings belonging to traditional chiefs were burned during the demonstration. The curfew, announced by Governor Douye Diri on Friday, took immediate effect due to the breakdown of law and order in the community.

Governor Diri emphasized that the directive was issued after consultations with security commanders who briefed him on the deteriorating security situation in Biseni. The governor directed security forces to restore law and order and ensure the safety of lives and property in the area. He also urged responsible community members to abide by the law while the government endeavors to guarantee their security.

The unrest in Biseni originated from protests against the absence of basic amenities such as electricity and good roads, which the youths attributed to the oil company operating in the region. Although a meeting between the youths and representatives of various groups ensued, reportedly resulting in assurances that their demands would be addressed, one individual was allegedly apprehended for allegedly inciting others to obstruct access to the company's road.