Jos Attack: Governor Imposes Curfew Over ‘Tension’ And ‘Threats’
The Plateau State Government has imposed a dusk to dawn curfew after 23 persons were killed on their way from Bauchi to Jos, the state capital.
Simon Lalong, Governor of Plateau State, North-central Nigeria has imposed a dusk to dawn curfew in two local government areas of the state after an attack on travellers that led to killing of 23 persons and injuring 23 others on Saturday, Aug. 14.
The travelling convoys were attacked on their way back from a religious event in Bauchi state along Rukuba road of the volatile Jos North.
Lalong, who directed the imposition of curfew between 6:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. WAT, from Saturday said it would be in place until further review by the State Security Council, noting that it was to avoid breakdown of law and other.
“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,” Lalong said in a press statement released Saturday evening.
“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.”
He noted that the security agencies in the state were on the matter and have launched an investigation to get to the bottom of the crime.
The Governor stated further that, “the Government will continue to monitor the unfolding situation and take further necessary measures to ensure the safety of lives and properties.”
Lalong has also also expressed his sympathy to the families of the affected individuals and called for calm.
He called people to desist from giving the attack an ethnic or religious colouration as the attack was purely criminal.
According to him, 20 suspects have already been arrested and further investigation is ongoing.
The polarized nature of Plateau State has led to incessant killings, resulting from ethno-religious conflicts.
Over 7,000 casualties have been recorded in the state since 2001 after a violent riot broke out in Jos.
HumAngle has published a 5 part series, highlighting the polarized lives of individuals in the state after the 2001 riots and their journey towards unity.
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