Governor Simon Lalong has relaxed the 24-hour curfew imposed on Jos North local government area, though admitting that security agencies have been unable to forestall further violent killings.

“Despite the directive to security agencies to stop the attacks, arrest perpetrators, and bring them to justice, these attacks continued with the incident in Rukuba Road where commuters were attacked, leading to further deaths and destruction,” said the governor. “The ugly situation again resurfaced in Yelwa Zangam village of Jos North Local Government Area where many people were again killed and properties destroyed.”

Mr Lalong said the curfew would now be enforced from 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.

On Monday in Jos, he announced the review in a statewide broadcast on the state-owned media and Peace FM Radio.

“The curfew in Jos North is to be relaxed beginning from Monday, August 30, 2021. The curfew shall be enforced from 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. until further notice,” Mr Lalong stated. “The curfew in Jos South and Bassa is to also be further relaxed, as, from Monday, August 30, 2021, the curfew shall be enforced between 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. until further notice.”

He expressed sadness over the security situation in the state, saying it had stalled progress and investments made in peace-building and crime-fighting.

“Due to recent attacks in Jos North, Bassa, Riyom, and Barkin Ladi, we have witnessed the unfortunate disruption to the peace and security of the state by criminal elements leading to loss of innocent lives, properties, farm crops, and livestock,” he explained.

Mr Lalong further stated that the ban on tricycles and hawkers remained in force within the Jos/Bukuru metropolis.

He pledged that the government would handle the medical bills of residents receiving treatment in various health facilities.

Mr Lalong added that the state had procured relief materials for victims, adding that his government will continue to partner more humanitarian organisations.

He decried the use of social media to spread false information and incitements, urging residents to embrace ethno-religious tolerance and mutual respect for peaceful coexistence in the state.

He assured parents of the safety of their children at the Plateau State University in Bokkos once the school reopened. The governor gave a similar assurance to the management of the National Youth Service Corps of the safety of corps members in Plateau.

He also announced that the Plateau Economic and Investment Summit earlier scheduled to hold on September 1 and 2 had been postponed for security reasons.

(NAN)