Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau state has relaxed the 24-hour curfew imposed on Jos North Local Government Area with effect from August, 30 until further notice, owing to the recent breakdown of law and order which has resulted in the deaths of people and destruction of properties. The governor made the announcement during a state-wide broadcast to citizens on Monday morning, wherein Lalong said the curfew would now be enforced from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. “The curfew in Jos North is to be relaxed beginning from Monday 30th August 2021, the curfew shall be enforced from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. until further notice. According to him, “Under the new arrangement, the curfew will be observed from 6 pm to 6 am daily beginning from Monday, 30th August 2021. “Due to recent attacks in Jos North, Bassa, Riyom, and Barkin Ladi we have witnessed the unfortunate disruption to the peace and security of the State by criminal elements leading to loss of innocent lives, properties, farm crops and livestock. The governor decried the desperation of criminals whom he said, were bent on causing mayhem in the State, saying that, “in spite of efforts to address insecurity in the State, there are still isolated attacks in some areas of Jos North and Bassa local government areas during the curfew.”
” The ugly situation again resurfaced in Yelwa Zangam village of Jos North Local Government Area where many people were again killed and properties destroyed,” he said.
The governor said in spite of arrests made over the incidents, the curfew was imposed in some local government areas following threats to lives and properties, adding that it was also to assist security agencies to handle the situation.
Lalong said the State Government had secured relief materials that were being distributed to the victims in various locations, adding that the government would continue to partner with more humanitarian organisations toward alleviating the suffering of the victims.
He decried the misuse of social media to misinform and spread false and inciting comments, urging residents to embrace ethno-religious tolerance and mutual respect for peaceful coexistence in the state.
He assured parents of the safety of their wards at the Plateau State University in Bokkos, once the school reopened, and also the management of the National Youth Service Corps of the safety of corps members deployed to the state.
Also, he announced that the Plateau Economic and Investment Summit earlier scheduled for September 1 and 2 has been postponed.
“A new date will be announced and communicated to all our invitees,” the Governor said. “We apologise for any inconveniences this postponement might cause.”
The governor also said he has convened a high-level meeting with relevant stakeholders and religious leaders to proffer solutions on how best to stop the reoccurring unrest and ethno-religious crisis in the state.
