Igbo traders in Jos South decries hoodlums attacks, seeks justice

Igbo traders in Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State have demanded justice from the State Government, calling the authorities to fish out those who looted their shops and destroyed their properties on Monday during a face-off between government officials and street traders who were violating government directives.

The Igbo businessmen while describing as heinous the wicked act of the criminal bandits who took advantage of the situation to burn their cars, shops and buildings said they wondered how the violators of government Order would turn around to loot their properties when being chased by security operatives.

They alleged that many eyewitnesses pointed fingers at Hause Muslims who threw stones on government task-force during patrol on the Jos South market axis to ensure compliance against street trading.

Recall that last Monday hoodlums attacked Plateau State government task-force working to implement the Jos City Renewal Policy of the Governor  Mutfwang’s administration.

During the attack in the popular Bukuru market community, one person was killed, while several properties, including cars and buildings, were set ablaze by the hoodlums

The violence orchestrated by the hoodlums followed the signing of an Executive Order by the Governor, to control illegal erection of buildings and traffic in the State.

According to the General Manager of the Jos Metropolitan Development Board (JMDB), Hart Bankat, who announced Executive Order No. 003, 2024, said it became imperative, considering the indiscriminate manner in which buildings were being erected with traffic control abysmally degenerated within the Greater Jos Master Plan.

The order also followed the prevalence of building collapse in the State with the JMDB vowing to ensure its implementation until its objectives were achieved.

However, not flaunting government directives, the Igbo traders said the Order was in good faith as it will create a cleaner Plateau suitable for business and development but wondered why hoodlums who will not obey government directives will turn around to loot their shops and burn their properties.

Speaking in a statement jointly signed by the Jos South Igbo Community Leader, Chief Lawrence Onwudinjo (Ezeigbo 111)Jos South LGA, and the President General, Jos South Igbo Community Association, Hon. Emenike Isiwu, the traders called on the State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang to direct security agencies to arrest those behind the wicked act of Monday, June 17, 2024.

The duo said if nothing is done to address the ugly reoccurring of constant looting of their properties, the Igbo group will do everything within the ambit of the law to seek justice.

“Enough is Enough”, they said.

According to them: “On June 17, 2024, the taskforce on decongestion of the roads carried out their legitimate functions in Bukuru town. To our surprise and dismay, Igbo traders found themselves on cross fire attack and destruction of their shops and severe threat to their lives.

“Our people suffered physical attacks and sustained life threatening injuries and their goods carted away and some destroyed amounting into millions of naira”.

The Igbo traders appealed to the Governor to treat the matter with urgent attention as they are contributing to the development of the State through their prompt tax payments and other levies.

“Anytime there is unrest in a matter that does not concern us, we are always the victim. We want this to stop”, the Igbo group said.