From Teryima Ajijah, Jos
Following the midnight attack on Zangam community of Jos North Local Government Area in Plateau State, the Governor of the state, Simon Lalong has reinstated the 24 hour curfew earlier reviewed to dust to dawn.
The attack, according to survivors, occurred during the ongoing dusk to dawn curfew imposed on three local government areas of Jos North, Jos South and Bassa, where there have been persistent loss of lives due to attacks been perpetrated by gunmen.
A press release issued by the Director of Press and Public affairs to Governor; Dr Simon Macham urged citizens to obey the curfew order to avoid harassment by security operatives.
“Plateau State Government has reinstated the 24-hour curfew earlier relaxed in Jos North Local Government Area following growing tensions arising from the attack on Yelwa Zangam village of the local government where people were killed and properties destroyed,” it stated.
According to Governor Lalong, the 24 hour curfew will come into force from 4pm, today being Wednesday 25 August, 2021 until further notice.
The release read: “The proactive decision became necessary, following eminent threat to lives and properties within the local government area and the need to forestall the breakdown of law and order. 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 to 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.”
Meanwhile, relations of the Zangam community attack, have conveyed the some corpses that were not set ablaze to Government House, Jos for the governor to see himself.
The sympathizers had earlier taken the same remains of the victims, numbering 13 to the Plateau State House of Assembly for the legislators to view.
Addressing the mourners, Speaker of the state Assembly, Abok Ayuba appealed for calm and condoled the mourners.
Earlier, the governor, through his spokesman, Dr Macham, in a release condemned the attacks on the community and sued for peace.