Plateau protests: Governor imposes 24-hour curfew in Jos, Bukuru

From Jude Owuamanam, Jos

Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang has imposed a 24-hour curfew on Jos and Bukuru metropolis of the state.

The measure is effective from 12 midnight on Sunday, August 4, 2024.

This followed the threat by residents of Bauchi road in Jos North to unleash mayhem on those who had failed to participate in the ongoing protest against bad governance in the country.

Earlier a coalition of youths in Jos had said that they’re suspending street protest for two days effective Monday and Tuesday to allow for negotiations with the Federal Government.

They had vowed to resume if there were no concrete steps take to accede to their demands.

This came after the state government and notable individuals in the state, including the Senator representing Plateau Central, Diket Plang, had commended the residents of the state for a peaceful protest.

However in a curious twist,
hundreds of protesters had flooded the popular Bauchi Road, on Sunday and warned all traders and residents to join them on Monday or shut down their business places.

The protesters said the move is to prevent damage to their properties.

According to the them, President Bola Tinubu’s Sunday broadcast had failed to address the pressing challenges facing the nation.

They vowed to mobilise more people to come out to express their grievances and dissatisfaction with the broadcast.

They said that the protest is the only way to express their concerns to Federal Government.

In a statement signed by the Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor, Gyang Bere, Mutfwang said the move was a decisive step to enhance the security of lives and maintain public order, Plateau State.

He said that the decision rwas taken
in consultation with state security agencies after reviewing the actions of unscrupulous individuals who exploited the nationwide protest to unleash terror on innocent citizens.

The governor noted that these criminal elements, armed with daggers, machetes, and other dangerous weapons, broke into shops and restaurants along Bauchi Road and Zololo Junction, looting foodstuffs and other valuable items.

Governor Mutfwang emphasized that the curfew is in the best interest of all citizens and urged everyone to comply fully to ensure the safety and well-being of all residents. He directed security agencies in the state to ensure the total enforcement of the curfew across Jos/Bukuru Metropolis.

He warned those planning to unleash further terror on innocent citizens to desist immediately or face the full wrath of the law. The governor also called on the relevant security agencies to remain vigilant and proactive in their duties to prevent any potential disruptions to law and order.

Governor Mutfwang expressed gratitude to the citizens of Plateau State, particularly the clergy and imams, for their unwavering support of government’s policies and programs. He acknowledged their cooperation and adherence to directives during the planned nationwide protest and praised their commitment to maintaining peace and unity.

“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,” Governor Mutfwang said.