Plateau State Governor, Simon Lalong has imposed a curfew on Jos North, Bassa and Jos South in the wake of the massacre of some innocent travellers on Saturday along Rukuba road in the state.
The curfew runs from 6pm to 6am and will remain in place subject to further review by the State Security Council.
The Governor noted that he took the step to impose a curfew after receiving a briefing from security agencies on the attack.
Naija News recalls at least twenty-two persons were confirmed killed on Saturday following an attack by bandits along Rukuba road in Jos north LGA, Plateau state.
The gunmen who attacked the travellers also injured fourteen others.
Lalong while condemning the attack in its entirety, commiserated with those affected, urged the security operatives to fish out the perpetrators and bring them to justice.
He also expressed optimism that the curfew imposed will help in returning normalcy to the affected areas.
The statement announcing the curfew, dated 14th August, 2021 was personally signed by the Governor and it reads: “Sequel to the unfortunate breach of peace along Rukuba road, Jos North LGA on 14th August 2021, where a convoy of commuters was attacked leading to killing of innocent persons, I have 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.”
“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 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 a 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 n peace and security of the State.”
“God bless Plateau State.”
Meanwhile, the Inspector-General of Police, Usman Alkali Baba has deployed a special team of police operatives to Plateau State in the wake of recent incessant attacks on residents by bandits.
The team which comprises personnel of Police Tactical Units – the Police Mobile Force (PMF), Counter Terrorism Unit (CTU), Police Special Forces, amongst others is led by DIG Sanusi N. Lemu.
This article was originally published on Nigeria News