PLATEAU GOVERNOR ORDERS 24 HOUR CURFEW IN JOS NORTH.

Hours after announcing a dusk to dawn curfew in three Local Government Areas of Jos North, Jos South and Bassa, Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has directed the imposition of a 24-hour curfew in Jos North to contain further security threats.

In the directive the Governor said “from 2pm of today, Sunday 15th August 2021, a 24-hour curfew will come into effect in Jos North Local Government Area. This is necessitated by security reports which indicate rising threats to the safety of lives and properties within the Local Government”.

The Governor therefore urges citizens to abide by the curfew and remain indoors to allow security agencies maintain law and order and deal with those bent on causing chaos.

The Governor says the 24 hour curfew in Jos North Local Government will remain in force until further notice.

Again, citizens are to note that the 24 hour curfew in Jos North will take effect from 2pm today 15th August 2021.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
15th August 2021.

Operation Safe Haven Arrests 12 in connection with Rukuba Road Violence that left scores dead, others injured.

Troops of the Special Task Force, code named Operation SAFE HAVEN earlier today 14 August 2021 swiftly responded to distress calls that suspected hoodlums blocked Jos North Junction along Rukuba road in Jos North LGA of Plateau State and attacked some commuters.

According to a statement issued by the Military Information Officer, Major Ishaku Gaji Takwa, Troops immediately mobilized to the scene and restored normalcy.

Some persons including innocent commuters lost their lives in the unfortunate incident while others with varying degree of injuries have been evacuated to a medical facility for care. Their condition is being closely monitored.

According to the statement, twelve suspects have so far been arrested in connection with the incident and troops are on the trail of others who took part in perpetrating the heinous act. Those arrested are currently in custody for interrogation.

The Commander Operation SAFE HAVEN, Major General Ibrahim Ali appealed to the people to volunteer credible information that would lead to the arrest of other suspects currently at large.

General Ali also appealed for calm and urge law abiding citizens to continue with their lawful activities without any fear of intimidation.

Meanwhile, security patrols have been stepped-up in Jos Metropolis to maintain peace and security.

Plateau Peace Practitioners Network (PPPN)CONDEMNS THE KILLINGS IN RUKUBA ROAD, ASKS GOVT TO ACT, AND SUES FOR PEACE AND JUSTICE.

The PPPN has condemned the killings of some travellers along Rukuba road, Plateau state yesterday the 14th August, 2021.

The PPPN believes that all lives are sacred and no man has the right to take another’s life. The Network sympathizes with the family of those that lost their lives and pray for speedy recovery for the injured.

The PPPN equally calls for calm, restrain and for people to be peaceful in all their conducts. These should be time to be circumspect especially with events across the Northern Senatorial District in the last few weeks.

The PPPN calls on government at all levels to rise to her core responsibility of protecting the citizens’ life and properties. The security agencies should be vigilante in ensuring they provide the much needed security, as to ensure hoodlums do not take advantage of the tense situation to molest innocent people and destroy property.

The reoccurring killings, maiming, destruction of property can be linked amongst many factors the need for justice and equity, and the need to address the animosities amongst ethnic and faith without any acts of sentiments.

While the PPPN pleads for restrain by all in the wake of this unfortunate incident. Citizens, and groups should desist from as making inflammatory and hate statements particular on social media. Circulation of such will only aggravate the situation.

The PPPN also calls on Traditional, Religious, and Political leaders across the state to step up in their roles as peace ambassador and preaching calm and restrain amongst their faithfuls.

Government officials and People should also desist from utterances that are capable of deepening hate and violence under the current fragile climate. It is important that all and sundry remember that we are all preachers of peace or destruction, we must choose wisely as we have no other home but Plateau and at large Nigeria. Let’s all tread the path of peace for the good of all.

15th August 2021

Plateau Tragedy: Mistake Of Identity As Akeredolu Urges For Calm, Commiserate with Victims Families
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Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu,SAN, just a few hours ago, received the unfortunate report of the Plateau state tragedy where some people believed to be indigenes of Ondo State were attacked.
An unconfirmed number of deaths are believed to have been recorded while some are severely injured in the said attack. Their true identity will soon be unraveled.
The Governor says from report he received from his brother Governor in Plateau, the incident was a case of mistaken identity. The victims, according to preliminary reports, took a route where crisis between Muslims and Northern Christians had ensued for some time, and that they may have been possibly, mistaken for aggressors. Accordingly, either of the two feuding groups in the area could be responsible in this regard.

Governor Akeredolu hereby calls for calm among the people of the state, urging that nobody should take law into their hands. He particularly, urges the people to refrain from any hasty colouration of the unfortunate incident.

“I have spoken with my brother Governor in Plateau, and he has assured me that the situation is under control. I want to plead with our people to remain calm. From the report I gathered, it is clear some were killed while many others who are injured have been taken to the hospital for medical attention.

“Let me again, make it clear that i was informed by my colleague that it was indeed, a case of mistaken identity. I want to assure our people living in Plateau that they are not targets of any religion or ethnic crisis. While assuring that justice will be served, I want to plead again that we do not take law into our hands. Let us remain calm.

“I also want to commiserate with the family of all those who have lost their lives in this unfortunate incident. We mourn the departed and feel the pains of their loved ones”, he says.

Governor Akeredolu assures all Indigenes of Ondo state living outside the State of his commitment to their safety.

Signed:
Richard Olatunde,
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Ondo State.
August 14, 2021.

PRESS STATEMENT

IMPOSITION OF CURFEW ON JOS NORTH, BASSA AND JOS SOUTH

Sequel to the unfortunate breach of peace along Rukuba road, Jos North LGA on 14th August 2021, where a convoy of commuters was attacked leading to killing of innocent persons, I have received briefings on the situation from the relevant heads of security agencies.

The reports indicate that 23 of those attacked lost their lives while 23 persons sustained injuries and are currently receiving treatment. 26 others were rescued unhurt. So far, 20 suspects have been arrested and the security agencies are conducting investigations to get to the bottom of the matter.

Having reviewed the reports and monitored the unfolding scenario, Government is concerned about the persisting tensions and reported attempts by some persons to take the laws into their hands by threatening to attack individuals and private facilities, as well as public property.

In order to avoid further deterioration of the situation and to protect lives and properties of citizens, I have directed the imposition of curfew on Jos North, Bassa and Jos South Local Governments commencing 6pm to 6am from today, 14th August 2021.

The curfew shall remain in place subject to further review by the State Security Council.

All citizens are therefore directed to abide by the directive to enable security personnel maintain law and order in the affected areas and deal with those attempting to foment trouble by taking advantage of the situation to perpetrate crime.

The Government will continue to monitor the unfolding situation and take further necessary measures to ensure the safety of lives and properties.

While I deeply sympathize with the families of those who lost their loved ones, and those injured in the unfortunate event, I call for calm and appeal to our citizens to avoid any action or utterances that will further inflame the situation.

This is purely a criminal conduct and should not be given any ethnic or religious colouration.

Let us continue to be vigilant and be security conscious and do everything possible to sustain n peace and security of the State.
God bless Plateau State.

Rt. Hon. (Dr) Simon Bako Lalong, KSGG
Executive of Plateau State.
14th August 2021.

GOVERNOR LALONG CONDEMNS ATTACKS IN RUKUBA ROAD; ASKS SECURITY TO FISH OUT TROUBLE MAKERS

Governor Simon Bako Lalong has warned trouble makers bent on fomenting trouble in Plateau State to desist as the Government will not allow any form of lawlessness to disrupt the peace of the State.

Governor Lalong while reacting to the reported skirmishes around Rukuba road general area in Jos where some persons were reportedly killed including innocent commuters, condemned the act and immediately directed security agencies to swiftly identify and arrest the perpetrators while dominating the area to restore calm.

Lalong said the attacks on innocent citizens no matter their backgrounds will never be tolerated in Plateau State and those who are found to be behind such attacks will be dealt with decisively to serve as deterrence and restore public order.

The Governor however commends security agencies for their immediate response leading to the arrest of some suspects and the restoration of calm to the area.

While commiserating with the families of those affected, the Governor assured all law abiding citizens that security has been beefed up around the area as well as the entire metropolis to forestall further breach of the peace.

He reminds the citizens to remain vigilant and be security conscious in reporting suspicious persons and behaviour within their domains to enable law enforcement agencies respond appropriately.

Meanwhile, the Governor has directed the Secretary to the Government of the State Prof. Danladi Abok Atu to visit the areas and ascertain the situation as well as ensure that those injured receive adequate medical attention.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
14th August 2021.

PHARM MIZIM HARUNA DADUNG: A 47 HEARTY CHEERS TO AN EMBODIMENT OF COMMITMENT AND LOYALTY.

It is another 365 days of purposeful and resourceful life of a committed and patriotic Nigerian who epitomizes dedication and commitment in servicing humanity.

It was not by sheer coincidence, but a divine arrangement that the daunting task of changing the narrative of PKK is bestowed on me and Pharmacist Mizim Haruna Dagung (the Leader of many upcoming Political GENERALS), as the most senior of my staff at this point in history

You are indeed a blessing to this generation, and working closely with you is a tremendous blessing to the constituents of PKK.

You have paid your dues in every sense of the word. As you celebrate your birthday today, I join thousands of your friends, relations, political associates and well wishers to wish you heaven’s choicest blessings and to encourage you to keep your commendable work rate, as the future looks brighter, but taskier for your frail should.

I must confess that choosing you as my Senior Legislative Aide was the foundation of the success story of PKK in the 9th National Assembly. Given another opportunity, I will still choose you as my closest working partner, because your loyalty and dedication is unquestionable.

Once again, I wish you a joyous 47th birthday anniversary to Pharmacist Mizim Haruna Dagung and many happy returns!

Signed:
Rt Hon. Yusuf Adamu Gagdi,
(Dan Malikin Kanam),
Member Representing PKK and Chairman House Committee on Navy.

NORTHERN GOVERNORS MOURN WIFE OF LATE PRESIDENT HADIZA SHAGARI

The  Northern Governors Forum has sympathised with the family of former President Shehu Shagari over the death of his Widow, Hajiya Hadiza Shehu Shagari who died in Abuja on Thursday 12th August 2021.

In a statement, Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Plateau State Simon Bako Lalong expressed deep sadness over the demise of the former First Lady who played a great role in the successes of her late husband and advanced the cause of women and children.

According to Governor Lalong, late Hajiya Hadiza Shagari was a humble woman who devoted significant attention to moral upbringing of not only her biological children and others she mentored, but also supported and promoted activities aimed at improving the nutrition, health and rights of women at all levels.

While asking God to grant her soul eternal rest, Lalong expressed the condolences of the Northern Governors to the Shagari family as well as Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal and the entire people of Sokoto State.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State and Chairman, Northern Governors Forum.
13th August 2021

GOVERNOR LALONG URGES PLATEAU FARMERS TO EMBRACE FLOWER PRODUCTION

Governor Simon Bako Lalong is urging farmers in Plateau State to take interest in flower production which is economically viable and in demand at the international market.

Governor Lalong who met with some French investors in Jos after their two day visit to the State said his administration is determined to return the State to the export of flowers which was popular in the 70s and 80s.

He said already, some farmers in the State are making progress in the cultivation of flowers and attracting demands from within and outside the country. He said this has reinforced the resolve of the Government to encourage and support interested farmers to go into the production.

The Governor said with the designation of the Yakubu Gowon Airport as a Cargo Airport, the export of flowers will be seamless. This he said will be complemented by the Inland Container Terminal which is being activated.

Earlier, leader of the French team, Yan Fortunato said after their visit which took them to six Local Government Areas of the State, they were convinced by the enormous potentials of the State in agriculture which need to be developed through mechanization and improved practices.

He said the team which was visiting Nigeria on behalf of some business partners in France, has identified areas such potato production and value chain development, flower production and export, cashew production and processing as well as forest development.

The team promised to convey their findings to their partners and return within a short time to continue the process of partnership with the State in establishing their businesses.

Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development Dr. Hosea Finangwai said the State already has a structure for agric business and partnerships particularly on areas such as potato production that is currently being supported by the African Development Bank.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
12th August 2021.

ROTARY INTERNATIONAL TO ESTABLISH PEACE CENTRE IN JOS

Rotary International is to establish a Peace Centre in Jos as part of its social responsibility for the consolidation of peace and harmony in Plateau State.

The 13th District Governor of District 9125 Ayoola Oyedokun stated this when he led members of the District on a courtesy visit to Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong at the Government House Little Rayfield Jos .

Ayoola said they were at the Government House to introduce the new leadership and also explain the areas of focus for his tenure. He said the vision of his administration is along the general theme which is Serve to Change Lives.

He listed areas of intervention to include water and sanitation, environment, medical, family planning as well as reconstruction and rehabilitation of IDPs among others.

Ayoola commented Governor Lalong for his contributions and participation in Rotary activities as an member who has done so much not only for his Jos South Club and the District in general. He asked him to continue to support the activities of the body and also woo more members.

Governor Lalong while welcoming the team said the State Government has been very happy with its relationship with Rotary International which has supported the people of the State in various ways.

Lalong presented the certificate of occupancy of the land for the proposed Peace Centre to the Rotary Governor and assured them that the State Government would support the establishment of the Centre which is in line with the three point policy vision of the Rescue Administration.

He wished the new District Governor well and also assured him that he will continue to play his role as an active rotarian.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
11th August 2021.