Curfew reduced in Benue State

A dusk-to-dawn curfew imposed recently in two towns in central Benue State has been reduced by two hours following improved security, Radio Nigeria reported a statement by Bartholomew Oche, secretary to the state government, as saying. The curfew, which covers the capital Makurdi and Gboko, the second biggest town in the state, now runs from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m., Oche said. The curfew was first imposed last week by Governor George Akume to curb violent protests that erupted over reports that soldiers had rampaged through four Tiv communities leaving scores dead. The army attacked the communities in retaliation for the killing of 19 soldiers by a local Tiv militia nearly three weeks ago.