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. The curfew, imposed on September 8th 2021, ran from 10 p.m to 6 a.m as part of efforts to curb the insecurity witnessed some months ago.
According to a statement by the Governor’s spokesman, Dr. Makut Simon Macham, Lalong gave the directive after a state security council meeting held at the Government House, 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 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 to perpetrate their nefarious activities during the season and cause a breach of the peace.
Meanwhile, the statement adds, 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 8 p.m. Tricycles within the metropolis will continue to operate on the existing template of 6 a. m to 6 p.m 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.