Plateau gov imposes curfew on three LGAs over Jos killings

Plateau State Governor Simon Lalong has imposed curfew on three local government areas following the killing of 23 commuters on Saturday in the Rukuba area of Jos, the state capital.

The victims mostly Muslim faithful were coming back from an annual Zikr prayer in Bauchi State and heading for Ikare in Ondo State when hoodlums opened fired on them.

The police said the attackers were suspected Irigwe youths with their sympathisers along Rukuba Road of Jos North LGA.

The travellers reportedly ran into a congregation of some members of the Irigwe community who were moving six corpses from a hospital for burial.
Although the dead have been buried in mass graves at Dadinkowa cemetery, the youths were said to have taken to the street protesting the attack.

Governor Lalong, in a broadcast on Saturday night, said, “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.

“Twenty-six 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 14th August 2021.

“The curfew shall remain in place subject to further review by the state security council.”

He called for calm and appealed to residents to avoid any action or utterance that will further inflame the situation.

“This is purely a criminal conduct and should not be given any ethnic or religious colouration,” the governor added.