The Bayelsa State Government has imposed a dusk-to-dawn curfew on Ogboinbiri Community in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area (LGA) following unrest that left one person dead.
Ebiuwou Obiyai, the Commissioner for Information, Orientation and Strategy said the curfew took effect on Tuesday, 28 April, and will run from 6 pm to 6 am daily until further notice.
“As part of efforts to maintain public peace, the Bayelsa State Government has declared a dusk-to-dawn curfew on Ogboinbiri Community.
“Defaulters shall be treated as a threat to public peace,” she said.
The unrest reportedly began after allegations surfaced over the possession of metal electric poles by the community’s former youth president, Experience Pere.
Pere's tenure had expired but he was said to be still acting in the role.
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According to statements from local officials, the incident led to retaliatory attacks in which properties were damaged, including buildings belonging to the Paramount Ruler, His Royal Highness Okosughe Eseimokumo.
One resident, identified only as Ifolo, sustained injuries and was taken to Ogboinbiri Cottage Hospital, where he was later confirmed dead.
Reports added that dozens of residents have since left the community.
The Southern Ijaw Local Government Council said three people had been arrested in connection with the unrest.
It added that the crisis was not linked to the ongoing Ogboinbiri chieftaincy dispute, and that previous peace interventions by the council and state-level committees had been unsuccessful.
Commissioner of Police Iyamah Edebor said tactical teams and other security personnel had been deployed to the area.
In a statement issued by Police Public Relations Officer DSP Musa Mohammed, the command said normalcy had been restored and patrols were ongoing.
Residents were urged to remain calm and to report suspicious activities through official police contact lines.
The government said it would continue to monitor the situation and called for cooperation from all residents.