From Agabus Pwanagba, Jos
Sequel to the skirmishes that took place on Saturday morning at Rukuba road area of Jos North LGA of Plateau State, which claimed many lives and left several others injured, the state government has imposed a 24 hour curfew in Jos North LGA of the State.
Also, a dusk to dawn curfew has been imposed in Jos South and Bassa LGAs (from 6pm to 6am) of the State until further notice.
Governor Simon Lalong said his decision was necessitated by security reports, “which indicate rising threats to the safety of lives and properties within the Local Government”.
The Governor also said the 24 hour curfew imposed in Jos North Local Government is indefinite.
Lalong disclosed this through his Director of Press and Public Affairs, Dr Makut Macham, in Jos, the State Capital.
It reads: “Hours after announcing a dusk to dawn curfew in three Local Government Areas of Jos North, Jos South and Bassa, Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has directed the imposition of a 24-hour curfew in Jos North to contain further security threats.
In the directive the Governor said, “From 2pm of today, Sunday 15th August 2021, a 24-hour curfew will come into effect in Jos North Local Government Area.
“This is necessitated by security reports which indicate rising threats to the safety of lives and properties within the Local Government.
Lalong urges residents to abide by the curfew and remain indoors to allow security agencies maintain law and order and deal with those bent on causing chaos.
The Governor further stated that, “the 24 hour curfew in Jos North Local Government will remain in force until further notice.
Reports have it that 23 of those attacked lost their lives while 23 persons sustained injuries and are currently receiving treatment. 26 others were rescued unhurt. So far, 20 suspects have been arrested and the security agencies are conducting investigations to get to the bottom of the matter.
Earlier, Governor Simon Lalong while reacting to the unfortunate incident said, “Sequel to the unfortunate breach of peace along Rukuba road, Jos North LGA on 14th August 2021, where a convoy of commuters was attacked leading to killing of innocent persons, I have received briefings on the situation from the relevant heads of security agencies.
He said, “Having reviewed the reports and monitored the unfolding scenario, Government is concerned about the persisting tensions and reported attempts by some persons to take the laws into their hands by threatening to attack individuals and private facilities, as well as public property.
According to him, “In order to avoid further deterioration of the situation and to protect lives and properties of citizens, I have directed the imposition of curfew on Jos North, Bassa and Jos South Local Governments commencing 6pm to 6am from 14th August 2021.
“The curfew shall remain in place subject to further review by the State Security Council”, he maintained.
The Governor urged citizens to abide by the directive to enable security personnel maintain law and order in the affected areas and deal with those attempting to foment trouble by taking advantage of the situation to perpetrate crime.
Lalong further stated that, Government will continue to monitor the unfolding situation and take further necessary measures to ensure the safety of “lives and properties”.
“While I deeply sympathize with the families of those who lost their loved ones, and those injured in the unfortunate event, I call for calm and appeal to our citizens to avoid any action or utterances that will further inflame the situation.
He however stress that, “This is purely a criminal conduct and should not be given any ethnic or religious colouration”.
He urged citizens to continue to be vigilant and be security conscious, and do everything possible to sustain the peace and security of the State.
