PLATEAU KILLINGS:Gov.Lalong relaxes curfew,warns trouble makers

By Edward Etuka

Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau has relaxed the 24-hour curfew earlier imposed on Jos North local government areas of the state.

Makut Macham, the Director of Press and Public Affairs (DOPA) to the governor, announced this in a statement on Wednesday in Jos.

EAGLE EYE NEWS24 reports that Lalong had imposed the curfew after hoodlums killed over 22 persons in Jos last Saturday .

According to Macham, the new directive would take effect from 6a.m. to 6 p.m on Thursday, August 19,2021 until further notice.

“Under the new arrangement, the curfew will be observed from 6pm to 6am daily beginning from Thursday 19th August 2021. This will also apply to Bassa and Jos South Local Government Areas untill further notice.

The decision was reached after the State Security Council meeting held at the Government House Rayfield on Wednesday, 18th August 2021 where the Governor received briefings from the heads of security agencies and also reviewed the situation.

In relaxing the curfew, Governor Simon Lalong warned trouble makers to desist from threatening lives and properties of citizens or be ready for a showdown with security forces who have been directed to be tough with anyone causing a breach of the peace.

He expressed outrage over what he called the desperation of criminals bent on causing mayhem in the State, as there were isolated attacks which led to loss of lives and destruction of properties in some areas of Jos North and Bassa LGAs during the curfew.

While the curfew is relaxed in Jos North, security agencies will mount permanent checkpoints in high vulnerable areas; deploy more uniform and plain clothes personnel; and also observe the conduct of citizens round the clock.

The Governor also reiterated that the prohibition on processions was still in force and anyone found violating the order will be dealt with according to the law.

The Governor appreciated the cooperation of law abiding citizens and urged them to continue to support Government to deal with the situation and restore normalcy to the affected areas and the State at large.

He urged parents and community leaders to prevail on their wards to maintain peace as the Government does not want to be forced to always resort to curfews which affect the economy and freedom of the people and the State as a whole”. Mr Macham added.

EAGLE EYE WATCH had earlier reported that there are plans by the Plateau State government under the leadership of Gov. Simon Lalong to  partially lift the curfew in the crisis torn state but was advised by security chiefs in the state to put up necessary mechanism  so as to checkmate further escalation of the crisis.

Recall that last Saturday about 22 travelers were killed by suspected hoodlums at the Rukuba road in Jos which sparked violence in the state and national outcry that made the Plateau State government to imposed  a 24 hours curfew in Jos North LGA and a 6am to 6pm curfew in Jos South and Bassa LGA respectively.