Governor Lalong relaxes curfew in Jos North, South, Bassa LGs

Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has lifted the 24-hour curfew placed on Jos North Local Government.

Beginning on Thursday, August 19th, 2021, the curfew will be enforced from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. every day. Until further notice, this will also apply to the Bassa and Jos South Local Government Areas.

The decision was made following a State Security Council meeting on Wednesday, August 18th, 2021, at Government House Rayfield, where the Governor was briefed by the chiefs of security agencies and evaluated the situation.

Governor Lalong, while relaxing the curfew, cautioned troublemakers to stop endangering citizens’ lives and property or face a battle with security officials, who have been told to be severe on anyone who causes a breach of the peace.

He expressed concern over what he called the desperation of criminals bent on wreaking havoc in the state, citing isolated incidents that resulted in the deaths of people and the damage of property in several sections of Jos North and Bassa LGAs during the curfew.

While the curfew in Jos North is relaxed, security services will set up permanent checkpoints in high-risk neighborhoods, deploy additional uniformed and plainclothes people, and monitor civilians’ behavior around the clock.

The Governor further stated that the prohibition on processions was still in effect, and that anyone discovered in violation of the order would be prosecuted in accordance with 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 asked parents and community leaders to persuade their children to keep the peace because the government does not want to be compelled to impose curfews, which harm the economy and freedom of the people and the state as a whole.