Musa Ibrahim Ashoms, the Plateau state commissioner for information and communication, said that the government was forced to impose a 24- hours curfew on the Jos/Bukuru due to the actions of some miscreants. BusinessDay reported that in a decisive move to enhance the security of lives and maintain public order, Caleb Mutfwang, the Plateau State Governor has imposed a 24-hour curfew on Jos/Bukuru Metropolis, effective from 12 midnight on Sunday, August 4, 2024......See Full Story>>.....See Full Story>>
Speaker to Journalists on Monday in Jos, Ashoms explained that on Sunday, some miscreants announced that people must join protest on Monday, prompting the government to take action to prevent any potential crisis.
He emphasised that the Caleb Mutfwang-led government is a responsible one that takes precautionary measures seriously to ensure public safety.
“The curfew has commenced with full force, with security operatives deployed to strategic areas across the metropolis”.
Ashoms added that the government has promised to review the situation and lift the curfew as soon as it is deemed safe to do so.
“For now, residents are advised to stay indoors and avoid any areas where security operatives are deployed, and to cooperate with the authorities to ensure public safety”.
When BusinessDay visited some of the affected areas, including the popular Taminus market, old airport roundabout, and Bukuru, security personnel were seen allowing essential workers to pass while many residents were forced to trek.
The level of compliance with the curfew was high as of the time of filing this report, with many residents staying indoors.
Police warn residents to comply with curfew or face prosecution
Meanwhile, Emmanuel Adesina, the commissioner of Police, Plateau state Command has warned residents to comply with the 24-hour curfew imposed by the state government or face prosecution. The curfew was imposed following the actions of “unscrupulous elements” amidst a peaceful protest in the state.
He said police, intelligence reports suggest that hoodlums were planning to cause mayhem in the state and hijack the peaceful protest to loot shops.
He noted that the police command has made robust deployments to various areas within Jos metropolis and Bukuru to prevent further breakdown of law and order.
The police chief warned residents to comply with the curfew, stating that anyone found violating the directive will be arrested and prosecuted.
He emphasised that it is the police’s constitutional responsibility to protect lives and property and ensure public safety.