The Plateau State Government has imposed a dusk to dawn curfew on Jos metropolis as a result of alleged tension and confusion over the situation in South-East.
Thursday evening, reports were rife that some youths were attacking people in some parts of Jos, Plateau State, as a result of the situation in the South East.
In a statement issued on Friday by Mr. Emmanuel Nanle, Director of Press Affairs, the imposition of the curfew was to prevent a further breakdown of law and order.
Governor Simon Lalong, in the statement, was said to have express sadness over the increasing tension.
He was quoted as saying that hoodlums would not be allowed to tamper with security in the state.
Lalong was quoted as stressing: “I am surprised that some disgruntled elements claiming to be reacting to agitations by the Independent Peoples of Biafra in the South-East, decided to throw Jos metropolis into confusion. Let everyone be clear about this – we shall not allow it.”
The governor was said to have assured the people of the state of adequate security.
Also, he urged religious and community leaders to report anyone trying to cause mayhem to appropriate authorities.
Public Relations Officer of the Plateau Police Command, Mr. Tyopev Terna, speaking on the development said the confusion was caused by rumours that some hoodlums were attacking some people over developments in the South-East.
Said he: “We have deployed our men to all parts of the city, but nothing has been reported.
“Outside the rumour, there is no particular incident that took place…
“Immediately people saw the frenzy with which the shops were being locked, they started running; they all started scurrying to safety in various directions because they suspected that trouble was looming.
“With everybody running at the same time, confusion enveloped the city, especially the market area. Many people sustained injuries in the stampede,” he said.
The police spokesman also called for calm, saying there was no cause for alarm.
There was tension in Jos on Friday following report that some youth were attacking people over the situation in the South East.
