The special task force, Operation Safe Haven (OPSH), has warned youths to shelve their plans to hold a mass procession celebrating the Maulud in Jos.

Maj. Ishaku Takwa, the spokesman for the task force who gave the warning in a statement on Monday, added that the military would not allow any acts capable of truncating the fragile peace currently being enjoyed in the state.

The army further warned that anyone caught organising a procession without the knowledge of the Jama’atul Nasir Islam (JNI) and the security agencies would be dealt with.

“While we felicitate with the entire Muslim Ummah on the birthday of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and recognising the right of people to hold processions under different circumstances, it is, however, expedient to state that the fragile peace on the Plateau does not present a conducive atmosphere for any form of procession at this moment,” the army statement said.

It added, “We, therefore, wish to draw the attention of youths and members of the public that the ban on any kind of protest and procession by the state government is still in force. Consequently, we call on the Muslim faithful to observe the Maulud without any form of a procession.”

According to the statement, the commander of the task force, Maj.-Gen. Ibrahim Ali directed troops to ensure that no group organises any form of procession during the celebration.

He said the task force had been working with the support of the Plateau government, traditional and religious leaders, critical stakeholders and law-abiding citizens to ensure a peaceful Plateau.

The army advised residents of the state to be vigilant and report any suspicious movements to the security agencies for a swift response. 

(NAN)