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Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau state has imposed 6pm to 6am curfew in Jos North, Bassa and Jos South local government areas of the state from Sunday 14th until further notice.
The curfew was necessitated due to killing of 23 Muslim travellers by the Birom youth hoodlums while injuring another 23 last Saturday.
Lalong in a statement he personally signed said he has received briefings on the situation from the relevant heads of security agencies in the state 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.
The reports indicates that 23 of those attacked loss their lives while 23 persons sustained various degree of injuries and are currently receiving treatment while 26 others were rescued unhurt.
Lalong revealed that 20 suspects in connection to the fatal attack have been arrested so far and the security agencies are conducting investigations to get to the bottom of the matter”
“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.”
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 today, 14th August 2021.”
According to the Governor the curfew shall remain in place subject to further review by the State Security Council.
“All citizens are therefore directed 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.” He warned.
The Government will continue to monitor the unfolding situation and take further necessary measures to ensure the safety of lives and property.
“While I deeply sympathize with the families of those who loss 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.”..
Lalong who described the hoodlums action as purely criminal conduct said it should not be given any ethnic or religious colouration.
He called on all and sundry to continue to be vigilant, security conscious and do everything possible to ensure sustenance of peace and security of the State.
