The Plateau State government has re-imposed a 24-hour curfew on Jos North Local Government Area (LGA). The Director of Press and Public Affairs to Governor Simon Lalong, Dr Makut Macham, announced this in a statement released today Wednesday, August 25.

The curfew comes hours after a fresh crisis broke out in Yelwa Zangam, a village in Zangam District of the state. Over 30 persons were allegedly killed in the renewed hostilities.

According to the statement, the 24-hour curfew will come into force from 4pm on August 25 until further notice.

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“The proactive decision became necessary following imminent threat to lives and properties within the local government area and the need to forestall the breakdown of law and order,” the statement said.

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 by 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.”the statement read

The statement added that the 6pm to 6am curfew in Jos South and Bassa LGAs still remains in place until further notice. It was further stated that those on essential duties such as health personnel, journalists, fire service and paramilitary and others, have been exempted from the curfew. Such persons were, however, asked to ensure they could provide their means of identification at all times.

“The Governor is calling for calm as he is seriously grieved by the attacks. He again sympathises with the victims but wants them to show restraint and allow the government to handle the matter to disallow hoodlums from taking advantage of the unfortunate situation to cause mayhem and destruction in the state.”the statement read