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Governor Simon Bako Lalong of Plateau State has relaxed the 24-hour curfew earlier imposed on Jos North Local Government Area, following the killings of travellers along Rukuba road, on the outskirts of Jos last Saturday.
Under the new arrangement, the curfew would be observed from 6 pm to 6 am daily beginning from Thursday 19th August 2021. This also applies to Bassa and Jos South local government areas until further notice.
The decision was reached after the state’s security council meeting held at the Government House on Wednesday, where the governor received briefings from the heads of security agencies and also reviewed the situation.
Governor Lalong warned trouble makers to desist from threatening lives and properties of the citizens or be ready for a showdown with security forces, who have been directed to be tough with anyone breaching the peace.
He expressed outrage over what he called the desperation of criminals bent on causing mayhem in the state after some isolated attacks that led to loss of lives and the destruction of properties 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 ban on procession was still in place and that anyone found violating the order would be dealt with according to the law.
He urged parents and community leaders to prevail on their subjects to maintain peace, saying the government did not want to be forced to always resort to curfews, which affect the state’s economy and freedom of movement.
