The Plateau State Government has declared a 24-hour curfew in Jos north local government while 6 am to 6 pm curfew remains in Jos South and Bassa local government areas.
According to the Governor, the curfew is to take effect from 6 am to 6 pm from Saturday the 14th of August.
Governor Lalong noted that “the curfew became necessary 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 23 people while 23 others 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”.
He added that 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.
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Therefore, in order to avoid further deterioration of the situation and to protect the lives and properties of citizens, the governor 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 and directed residents to abide by the directive to enable security personnel maintain law and order in the affected areas and deal with those attempting to cause trouble by taking advantage of the situation to perpetrate crime” he declared.
Governor Simon Lalong sympathised with the families of those who lost their loved ones, and those injured in the unfortunate event, calling for calm and appeal to citizens to avoid any action or utterances that will further inflame the situation.
He described the incident as criminal conduct and should not be given any ethnic or religious colouration and asked that people should remain vigilant and be security conscious while doing everything possible to sustain peace and security of the State.
Nnenna.O
