The Plateau State Government has imposed a 24-hour curfew on Jos North and Jos South Local Government Areas of the state to ensure the security of lives and property.
The curfew took effect from midnight on Sunday, August 4, 2024, with the government announcing that this decision is part of measures taken to maintain law and public order in response to the ongoing nationwide #EndBadGovernance and hunger protest that has turned violent in the North Central state.
A statement signed by Gyang Bere, Director of Press and Public Affairs to Governor Caleb Mutfwang, said the curfew was imposed after criminals, armed with daggers, machetes, and other weapons, broke into shops and restaurants on Bauchi Road and the Zololo Junction in Jos North to loot foodstuffs and other valuable items
The statement said; “The imposition of this curfew is in the best interest of all citizens,” adding that in consultation with state security agencies, took this decision after reviewing the actions of unscrupulous individuals who exploited the nationwide protest to unleash terror on innocent citizens.
Governor Mutfwang, while urging residents of the areas to fully comply with the directive towards ensuring the safety and well-being of everyone, directed security agencies in the state to ensure the total enforcement of the curfew across the Local Government Area.
The governor, who warned those planning to unleash further terror on innocent citizens to desist forthwith or face the full wrath of the law, also challenged the relevant security agencies to remain vigilant and proactive in their duties to prevent any potential disruptions to law and order.
He expressed gratitude to the citizens of Plateau State, particularly the religious leaders for their unwavering stand in supporting the government’s policies and programs, acknowledging that their cooperation and adherence to directives during the planned nationwide protest have been quite helpful.
Governor Mutfwang appreciated their leaders’ commitment to maintaining peace and unity, saying; “The peaceful conduct of our people before, during, and after the nationwide protest is commendable. I urge everyone to continue to uphold this culture of peace as we work together to build a united and progressive Plateau”.
Forefront News noted that the state had experienced four days of peaceful protests until the recent outbreak of looting and vandalism.
Plateau becomes the latest state in the north to impose a curfew following massive looting, vandalism, and arson that now trailed the hunger protest. Others are Borno, Nasarawa, Kano, Jigawa and Yobe states.
