Tension over attack in Plateau: Gov Lalong declares curfew in three LGAs

Following rising tension in Plateau State, Governor Simon Lalong on Saturday imposed a curfew on Jos North, Bassa and Jos South Local Government Areas over the Saturday’s attack and killing of Ondo travelers on Rukuba Road in Jos North Local Government Area.

Governor Lalong, in a statement he signed on Saturday, insisted that the curfew became necessary to avoid an escalation of tension in the affected areas.

“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.

“Having reviewed the reports and monitored the unfolding scenario, the 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,” the governor stated.

On Saturday morning, 23 persons traveling from Bauchi through Jos to Ikare, Ondo State, were killed in an attack by gunmen; 23 others were declared injured, while 26 persons were rescued unhurt.

Governor Lalong acknowledged that so far, 20 suspects have been arrested, with security agencies conducting investigations to get to the bottom of the matter.

The governor maintained that the curfew shall remain in place subject to further review by the State Security Council. He told residents of the state to comply with the curfew order to enable security personnel to maintain law and order in the affected areas and deal with those attempting to foment trouble.

“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.

“This is purely criminal conduct and should not be given any ethnic or religious colouration. Let us continue to be vigilant and be security conscious and do everything possible to sustain peace and security of the State,” Governor Lalong said.

He also ordered security agencies to immediately swing into action and fish out the perpetrators.