Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau State has relaxed the 24-hour curfew earlier imposed on Jos North Local Government following the killings of travellers along Rukuba road, on the outskirts of Jos last Saturday.
This was contained in a press statement by the State Director of Press and Public Affairs, Dr Makut Macham, and made available to journalists on Wednesday night, in Jos.
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Under the new arrangement, the curfew will be observed from 6 pm to 6 am daily beginning from Thursday, 19th August 2021 in the aforementioned LGA.
Meanwhile, Bassa and Jos South Local Government Areas that had been under dusk to dawn curfew since Sunday will maintain the status quo until further notice.
It reads: “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.
According to him, “In relaxing the curfew, Governor Simon Lalong warned trouble makers to desist from threatening lives and property 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 that led to the loss of lives and destruction of property 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 highly vulnerable areas; deploy more uniform and plainclothes 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”.
Lalong appreciated the cooperation of law-abiding citizens and urged them to continue to support the 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.