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Tag: Jos North

  • Plateau State Governor Lifts Curfew In Jos North, Jos South & Bassa LGAs.

    Plateau State Governor Lifts Curfew In Jos North, Jos South & Bassa LGAs.

    The Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has directed the total lifting of the existing curfew in Jos North, Jos South, and Bassa Local Government Areas earlier imposed on September 8th 2021, from 10pm to 6am as part of efforts to curb the insecurity witnessed some months ago.

    The Governor gave the directive after a State Security Council Meeting held at the Government House Rayfield Jos where the Council reviewed the security situation in the affected Local Government Areas and the State in general.

    On the strength of deliberations at the meeting and the advise of the Security Council, the Governor directed that the existing curfew be lifted with effect from Friday 17th December 2021 until further notice.

    He directed that in place of the curfew, the relevant security agencies should mount well coordinated and round the clock checks in strategic areas of the State to ensure the safety of lives and properties of the people during the yuletide season.

    He advised the security agencies to ensure that they deploy security personnel throughout the State and gather requisite intelligence to thwart any attempt by criminals who might want to perpetrate their nefarious activities during the season and cause a breach of the peace.

    Meanwhile, the total ban on motorcycles within the Jos-Bukuru metropolis is still in force while their operations in other Local Government Areas will stop at 8pm. Tricycles within the metropolis will continue to operate on the existing template of 6am to 6pm only.

    While commending the citizens for their patience, understanding and cooperation during the period of the curfew, Lalong urged them to be security conscious and highly vigilant against any suspected criminal activity in their domains, which should be reported quickly to security agencies to enable them take swift action.

    He also praised the security agencies for their sacrifices and patriotic service, urging them to continue to do more as the State Government will do its best to support them in carrying out their mandate of securing lives and properties.

    He wished the citizens a merry Christmas and a prosperous new year ahead.

  • Plateau Government Relaxes Curfew In Jos North, Lifts Ban On Tricycles

    Plateau Government Relaxes Curfew In Jos North, Lifts Ban On Tricycles

    Plateau State Government has announced a further relaxation of curfew in Jos North Local Government Area as well as lifted the ban earlier placed on operations of tricycles commonly referred to as Keke. 

    After a meeting of the State Security Council held on Monday 7th September 2021 at the new Government House Little Rayfield Jos, Governor Simon Bako Lalong approved that beginning from Tuesday 8th September 2021, the curfew in Jos North will be enforced from 10pm to 6am. 

    This will tally with the current status of the curfew in Jos South and Bassa Local Government Areas which still remains from 10pm to 6am. 

    Similarly, Governor Lalong also approved that beginning from Tuesday 8th September 2021, the ban placed on operations of tricycles will be lifted from 6am to 6pm daily. This means that no tricycle will be allowed to operate between the hours of 6pm to 6am. 

    However, the ban on motorcycles within the Jos/Bukuru Metropolis remains intact as enforcement will continue to ensure that violators are arrested and punished according to the law. 

    The Government is working on innovations, legislations and enforcement modules for enhancing the security, effectiveness and availability of public transportation in the State, which will be unveiled in due course and is expected to address the major concerns of the citizens particularly as it relates to the safety of passengers. 

    Governor Lalong while appreciating the cooperation and understanding of the citizens during the period of the attacks and subsequent curfews, urges them to continue to support Government in restoring normalcy to enable the State resume its normal trajectory of hospitality, opportunity and productivity. 

    Governor Lalong also thanks all stakeholders within and outside the State for their concerns and goodwill towards addressing the recent ugly developments, assuring that his administration will continue to pursue the path of peaceful coexistence while dealing with criminals and crises merchants who are bent on tarnishing the enviable image of the State. 

  • Jos North Stakeholders Vow To Expose Troublemakers As They Meet Governor Lalong

    Jos North Stakeholders Vow To Expose Troublemakers As They Meet Governor Lalong

    Hours after relaxing the 24-hour curfew imposed on Jos North Local Government Area, Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has held a meeting with stakeholders from the area to consolidate on efforts to sustain peace. 

    Governor Lalong while addressing the stakeholders, said the recent attacks in the Local Government Area are very disturbing and have brought back sour memories that have been almost forgotten. 

    He thanked the stakeholders for their roles in calming the tension as well as assisting security agencies to bring the situation under control. However, he told them that there must be deliberate efforts to ensure that there is no more violence. 

    The Governor said his administration has done a lot to improve security in the State in the last six years through various avenues including the Peace Building Agency. He asked them to take control of their areas as Government will not allow the breakdown of law and order under any guise.  

    Lalong regretted that the Government has been forced to use curfew as a last resort, but this can be avoided through dialogue and continuous engagement. He also assured them that he will continue to uphold justice and fairness which is the bedrock for peace. 

    During the meeting held at the Government House Rayfield Jos, the stakeholders expressed dismay over the recent attacks that led to loss of lives of lives and properties leading to the imposition of curfews. 

    They said most of the crises are pure criminality that are usually exploited using politics, religion and ethnicity to the point of escalation. According to them, the time has come for all well meaning citizens of Jos North to come together and fish out criminals among them to be punished. 

    The stakeholders assured the Governor that they will increase surveillance within their communities to fish out those instigating the crises as well as perpetrators in order to maintain peace. 

    They also warned those fuelling the situation in Jos North through provocative statements to desist as they will no longer watch and see people from outside the State instigating violence while they bear the brunt. 

    The effort of Governor Lalong in restoring peace in Plateau State over the past six years was also commended because there has been more engagement, empowerment of security agencies, equity and fair representation, and efforts to boost economic growth. 

    Drug and substance abuse, fake news and hate speech were also raised as some of the most disturbing issues that are heightening tensions unnecessarily which the Government must rise up to address. 

  • Plateau State Govt Re-Imposes 24-Hour Curfew On Jos North LGA

    Plateau State Govt Re-Imposes 24-Hour Curfew On Jos North LGA

    The Plateau State government has re-imposed a 24-hour curfew on Jos North Local Government Area (LGA). The Director of Press and Public Affairs to Governor Simon Lalong, Dr Makut Macham, announced this in a statement released today Wednesday, August 25.

    The curfew comes hours after a fresh crisis broke out in Yelwa Zangam, a village in Zangam District of the state. Over 30 persons were allegedly killed in the renewed hostilities.

    According to the statement, the 24-hour curfew will come into force from 4pm on August 25 until further notice.

    “The proactive decision became necessary following imminent threat to lives and properties within the local government area and the need to forestall the breakdown of law and order,” the statement said.

    It will also enable security agencies deploy appropriately to maintain security as the search for the attackers of the villagers continues.

    The governor has appealed to the citizens of Jos North to cooperate with the government by abiding by the 24-hour curfew commencing 4pm, 25th August 2021, as security agencies have been mandated to ensure that those who violate the curfew are arrested.”the statement read

    The statement added that the 6pm to 6am curfew in Jos South and Bassa LGAs still remains in place until further notice. It was further stated that those on essential duties such as health personnel, journalists, fire service and paramilitary and others, have been exempted from the curfew. Such persons were, however, asked to ensure they could provide their means of identification at all times.

    “The Governor is calling for calm as he is seriously grieved by the attacks. He again sympathises with the victims but wants them to show restraint and allow the government to handle the matter to disallow hoodlums from taking advantage of the unfortunate situation to cause mayhem and destruction in the state.”the statement read

  • Again, Gunmen Attack Jos North, Kill 36

    Again, Gunmen Attack Jos North, Kill 36

    Unknown gunmen have attacked Yelwa-zangam community, behind the University of Jos, in Jos North Local Government Area, killing over 36 persons.

    Eyewitnesses in the community said the armed men invaded the community at about 9pm on Tuesday and raided for hours without help from security agents. They shot, killing and maiming everyone on sight, and also burning houses.

    The attackers had reportedly destroyed the bridge leading to the community thereby preventing possible access before launching the attacks.

    An entire family was burnt alive in their homes while others that attempted to run into nearby bush were shot. Several persons sustained gunshot wounds and are being treated in the hospitals.

    Yelwa-zangam community is dominated by Christian Anagutta natives.

    As at the time of this report, search was ongoing to recover more bodies from the nearby bush.

    More details later….

  • Governor Lalong Condemns Yet Another Isolated Attack On Yelwa Zangam Village, Jos North LGA

    Governor Lalong Condemns Yet Another Isolated Attack On Yelwa Zangam Village, Jos North LGA

    Governor Simon Bako Lalong is appalled by yet another isolated attack which took place at Yelwa Zangam village of Jos North Local Government Area on Tuesday night where properties were destroyed and some persons killed. 

    The Governor totally condemns this barbaric act and directs security agencies who have already arrested 10 suspects in connection with the attack to intensify efforts in tracking down the other assailants and their sponsors in order to bring them to justice. 

    Lalong is furious over the incident which security reports indicate was carefully planned as the bridge linking the village was said to have been destroyed in order to deny security forces access to the area during the attack. 

    He sympathizes with the affected people and calls for calm, assuring them that they will get justice. 

    Governor Lalong again warns criminals that they will be pursued, arrested and dealt with, no matter how long it takes, as his administration will not allow the reign of terror to persist and rubbish all the investments made in restoring calm in the State. 

    Meanwhile, the Governor has praised the gallantry of security forces that successfully engaged and neutralised 6 criminals that belong to a syndicate that specialises in kidnapping innocent people in Mangu Local Government area of Plateau State. 

    The troops from Operation Safe Haven and the Nigerian Police Intelligence Response Team (IRT) engaged the bandits in response to distress calls. 

    The Governor expressed his deep condolences to the Nigeria Police and families of the Police Officer and Member of the Vigilante who lost their lives during the operation and assured them of Government support. He vows to make Plateau uncomfortable for criminals.

  • Governor Lalong Relaxes Curfew In Jos North; Orders Security Forces To Be Tough On Trouble Makers

    Governor Lalong Relaxes Curfew In Jos North; Orders Security Forces To Be Tough On Trouble Makers

    Governor Simon Bako Lalong of Plateau State has relaxed the 24-hour curfew earlier imposed on Jos North Local Government on Sunday to its earlier status.

    Under the new arrangement, the curfew will be observed from 6pm to 6am daily beginning from Thursday 19th August 2021. This will also apply to Bassa and Jos South Local Government Areas untill further notice.

    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.

    In relaxing the curfew, Governor Simon Lalong warned trouble makers to desist from threatening lives and properties 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 which led to loss of lives and 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 high vulnerable areas; deploy more uniform and plain clothes 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.

    The Governor appreciated the cooperation of law abiding citizens and urged them to continue to support 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 pecae 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.

  • Governor Lalong Visits Victims Of Jos Attacks In Hospitals; Monitors Compliance To Curfew In Jos North

    Governor Lalong Visits Victims Of Jos Attacks In Hospitals; Monitors Compliance To Curfew In Jos North


    Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong on Monday 16th August 2021, visited some hospitals in Jos to see some of the victims of the recent attacks in Jos as well as inspect other facilities that were affected with the skirmishes that ensued.

    Governor Lalong accompanied by his Deputy, Prof. Sonni Tyoden, DIG Lemu, Heads of security agencies in the State, and some members of the State Executive Council, visited the Bingham University Teaching Hospital Jos where he was taken round the wards by the Chief Medical Director.

    The Governor was told that some of the patients were brought into the hospital from the attacks on commuters along Rukuba road as well as others brought in from the attacks that took place on Sunday before the imposition of the 24 hour curfew on Jos North.

    Thereafter, the Governor was at Bauchi Ring road where he visited the Redeemed Christian Church of God which was partially torched by some hoodlums before the community rose to defend the Church and invite security personnel to take charge.

    Management Committee Chairman of Jos North
    Local Government Shehu Bala told the Governor that when the Church was attacked, muslim members of the community barricaded the facility and resisted the hoodlums from destroying the Church. Despite that, they succeeded in partially torching a part of the building.

    The Governor thereafter visited the Plateau Specialist Hospital where he was conducted round the facility by the Medical Director Dr. Golwa who said some of the victims brought in for treatment have been responding to treatment with only one in the intensive care unit.

    While speaking to newsmen after the visit, the Governor said the events of recent weeks which include the attacks on communities in Bassa and Riyom, as well as the one on travelers in Rukuba road and others carried out on Sunday morning before the imposition of 24 hour curfew on Jos North, are totally condemnable and unacceptable.

    Lalong while sympathising with those affected expressed outrage that crises merchants want to destroy the peace and stability that has been substantially built in the last five years. Government he said will never allow them to succeed as they will be fished out and dealt with.

    He said “On behalf of the Government I still stand to condemn this act. These are clear acts of criminality and all those who perpetrated these acts are criminals and nothing more. Whenever they start, it takes a different dimension with the purpose to take us back to the era of religious crisis. But by God’s grace we are on top of it. We will not allow religious crisis in this State any longer”.

    On Government response, he said  “We thank God the Federal Government has also sent a team from the IG’s office led by a DIG. We sympahtise with those who lost their relations and properties and we want to assure people of Plateau State that as usual, we would not allow this to go unpunished as some suspects have already been arrested. This time around, we will deal with people found guilty, both from the Bassa attacks and this one in Jos. We will go in for prosecution immediately and then go after suspects at large because we don’t want to allow this kind of thing again to come back to Plateau State.

    The Governor frowned at the misuse of the social media blaming it for circulating offensive and provocative messages and videos that are more alarming than true and factual. Lalong said the Government in conjunction with security agents are tracking the originators of such fake and gory messages for prosecution.

    On the curfew, he said those who are not ready to comply will be treated as those who are causing the problem. He assured that it will only be lifted when the securitysituation is assessed and ascertained to have improved.

  • Plateau Govt Imposes Curfew On Jos North, Bassa And Jos South LGAs

    Plateau Govt Imposes Curfew On Jos North, Bassa And Jos South LGAs

    Sequel to the unfortunate breach of peace along Rukuba road, Jos North LGA on 14th August 2021, where a convoy of commuters was attacked leading to killing of innocent persons, I have received briefings on the situation from the relevant heads of security agencies.

    The reports indicate that 23 of those attacked lost their lives while 23 persons sustained injuries and are currently receiving treatment. 26 others were rescued unhurt. So far, 20 suspects have been arrested and the security agencies are conducting investigations to get to the bottom of the matter.

    Having reviewed the reports and monitored the unfolding scenario, Government is concerned about the persisting tensions and reported attempts by some persons to take the laws into their hands by threatening to attack individuals and private facilities, as well as public property. 

    In order to avoid further deterioration of the situation and to protect lives and properties of citizens, I have directed the imposition of curfew on Jos North, Bassa and Jos South Local Governments commencing 6pm to 6am from today, 14th August 2021. 

    The curfew shall remain in place subject to further review by the State Security Council. 

    All citizens are therefore directed to abide by the directive to enable security personnel maintain law and order in the affected areas and deal with those attempting to foment trouble by taking advantage of the situation to perpetrate crime.

    The Government will continue to monitor the unfolding situation and take further necessary measures to ensure the safety of lives and properties.

    While I deeply sympathize with the families of those who lost their loved ones, and those injured in the unfortunate event, I call for calm and appeal to our citizens to avoid any action or utterances that will further inflame the situation.

    This is purely a criminal conduct and should not be given any ethnic or religious colouration. 

    Let us continue to be vigilant and be security conscious and do everything possible to sustain n peace and security of the State.

    God bless Plateau State.