x

Protests Destruction : We Have No Resources for Reconstruction- Lalong


Ugar Ukandi Odey, Jos

Governor Simon Lalong has regretted that the extent of damage carried out by protesters in the State last week is such that the state does not have the wherewithal to reconstruct.


Speaking during an address at State engagement with youth groups in the State in continuation of consultations with stakeholders, the governor said he has already gone round to inspect and take stock of the damage and extent of vandalisation ,and “the level of destruction and carnage is unbelievable and unacceptable”.


He said that preliminary assessment of the public and private property destroyed by protesters in Jos last week stands at seventy five billion naira.
Lalong also disclosed that the property destroyed are public and private property, saying altogether, 32 property spread across Jos North and Jos South LGAs of the State.
Lalong said “these are very challenging times for the nation and for our State because of recent events which have left us counting our losses. Lives have been lost, property destroyed, and the voices of the youths loudly and clearly heard across the nation and beyond”.


Lalong expressed comisseration with the families that lost loved ones and others who have suffered injuries or lost property as a result of the protests.
Lalong however recalled that “despite efforts to meet with the #ENDSARS protests here in Plateau State, no one agreed to engage the government as the protesters claimed that they had no leaders”. He regretted that “this continued despite our appeal for the protests to end and the path of dialogue adopted”.


According to Lalong, the government warned of a possibility for the protests to be hijacked by “hoodlums and criminals who will want to hide under the situation to cause havoc”, regretting that “sadly, this was exactly what happened on Tuesday, October 20, when violence errupted and led to the destruction of lives and property in Jos and Bukuru metropolis”.


Thus, he said, “government was left with no option than to take the painful decision of imposing a curfew in Jos North and Jos South LGAs in order to stop further destruction of lives and property.
Governor Lalong called on the youths to reappraise their position and make meaningful contributions to nation building. Lalong said “my dear youths of Plateau State, we have gathered here in continuation of our consultations with stakeholders towards our journey to progress and development”.


Noting that the engagement with the youths was supposed to come up earlier, he said the effort “was obstructed by the uncertainties that arose because of the #ENDSARS protests and subsequent disturbances”.


Governor Lalong had earlier, to commemorate Te engagement with the youths, commissioned a new auditorium in the Government House, and named it Mrs Victoria Gowon Auditorium, noting that she stood effectively by her husband, General Yakubu Gowon when, as a youth, he took charge of the affairs of this country.

Hot this week

CSOs pass vote of confidence on FCCO Provost Obidiegwu

Civil Society Organisations, Movement for Better Nation (MBN) and...

20 Dead, Several Missing in Fresh Boat Mishap in Kogi

By Noah Ocheni, Lokoja At least 20 people have been...

10 Key Takeaways from Tinubu’s 65th Independence Day Broadcast

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in his Independence Day address...

Bayelsa Police Commissioner Commends Citizens, Tactical Team for Murder Suspect’s Arrest

By Amgbare Prince, Yenagoa The Bayelsa State Commissioner of Police,...

NNPC Foundation Boosts Economy with Agricultural Intervention, Say Kano Farmers

By Jabiru Hassan Farmers in Kano State have commended the...

Kogi Boat Mishap: Death Toll Rises to 36, 40 Rescued

By Noah Ocheni, Lokoja The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA)...

Nigeria @65: Claims of Progress Are Deceptive – Activist Ukegbu

A social rights activist, Comrade Okechukwu Keshi Ukegbu, has...

Nigeria @65: Northern CAN Urges Hope, Calls on Leaders to Strengthen Nation-Building

By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN),...

Group Presses Nasarawa Assembly for Speedy Passage of Climate Change Bill

y Leo Zwanke, Lafia The Nasarawa State Network on Environment...

PCRC Zone 4 Trains Members on Community Policing in Lafia

By Leo Zwanke, Lafia The Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC),...

Related Articles

Popular Categories

spot_imgspot_img