Plateau State Governor, Sir Simon Lalong, has declared an imposition of curfew on Jos North, Bassa, and Jos South Local Government Areas of the state.
It will be recalled the state Police Command Saturday revealed that Muslims, on return trip from an Islamic event in Bauchi en-route Ikare, Ondo State, had their five-vehicle convoy attacked by Irigwe youths believed to be acting with religious motifs along Rukuba road, Jos North Local Government Area, killing 22 and injuring 14 occupants.
Governor Lalong, therefore, announced the curfew in a statement he signed and made available to newsmen Saturday night.
According to him, the curfew became necessary after he received briefings on the situation from the relevant heads of security agencies.
“The reports indicate that 23 of those attacked lost their lives while 23 persons 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.
“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,” Lalong stated.
The 6pm to 6am curfew, the governor further stated, would be remain subject to review by the by the State Security Council.
“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.
“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.
“The government will continue to monitor the unfolding situation and take further necessary measures to ensure the safety of lives and properties.”
While commiserating with the families of those who lost their lives, Lalong said the act is criminal and neither ethnic nor religious.
“While deeply sympathizing 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 a criminal conduct and should not be given any ethnic or religious colouration.”
He called on citizens to do everything possible to sustain peace and security of the state.
“Let us continue to be vigilant and be security conscious and do everything possible to sustain peace and security of the state.”
