GOVERNOR LALONG VISITS VICTIMS OF JOS ATTACKS IN HOSPITALS; MONITORS COMPLIANCE TO CURFEW IN JOS NORTH.

Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong on Monday 16th August 2021, visited some hospitals in Jos to see some of the victims of the recent attacks in Jos as well as inspect other facilities that were affected with the skirmishes that ensued.

Governor Lalong accompanied by his Deputy, Prof. Sonni Tyoden, DIG Lemu, Heads of security agencies in the State, and some members of the State Executive Council, visited the Bingham University Teaching Hospital Jos where he was taken round the wards by the Chief Medical Director.

The Governor was told that some of the patients were brought into the hospital from the attacks on commuters along Rukuba road as well as others brought in from the attacks that took place on Sunday before the imposition of the 24 hour curfew on Jos North.

Thereafter, the Governor was at Bauchi Ring road where he visited the Redeemed Christian Church of God which was partially torched by some hoodlums before the community rose to defend the Church and invite security personnel to take charge.

Management Committee Chairman of Jos North
Local Government Shehu Bala told the Governor that when the Church was attacked, muslim members of the community barricaded the facility and resisted the hoodlums from destroying the Church. Despite that, they succeeded in partially torching a part of the building.

The Governor thereafter visited the Plateau Specialist Hospital where he was conducted round the facility by the Medical Director Dr. Golwa who said some of the victims brought in for treatment have been responding to treatment with only one in the intensive care unit.

While speaking to newsmen after the visit, the Governor said the events of recent weeks which include the attacks on communities in Bassa and Riyom, as well as the one on travelers in Rukuba road and others carried out on Sunday morning before the imposition of 24 hour curfew on Jos North, are totally condemnable and unacceptable.

Lalong while sympathising with those affected expressed outrage that crises merchants want to destroy the peace and stability that has been substantially built in the last five years. Government he said will never allow them to succeed as they will be fished out and dealt with.

He said “On behalf of the Government I still stand to condemn this act. These are clear acts of criminality and all those who perpetrated these acts are criminals and nothing more. Whenever they start, it takes a different dimension with the purpose to take us back to the era of religious crisis. But by God’s grace we are on top of it. We will not allow religious crisis in this State any longer”.

On Government response, he said  “We thank God the Federal Government has also sent a team from the IG’s office led by a DIG. We sympahtise with those who lost their relations and properties and we want to assure people of Plateau State that as usual, we would not allow this to go unpunished as some suspects have already been arrested. This time around, we will deal with people found guilty, both from the Bassa attacks and this one in Jos. We will go in for prosecution immediately and then go after suspects at large because we don’t want to allow this kind of thing again to come back to Plateau State.

The Governor frowned at the misuse of the social media blaming it for circulating offensive and provocative messages and videos that are more alarming than true and factual. Lalong said the Government in conjunction with security agents are tracking the originators of such fake and gory messages for prosecution.

On the curfew, he said those who are not ready to comply will be treated as those who are causing the problem. He assured that it will only be lifted when the securitysituation is assessed and ascertained to have improved.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
16th August 2021.

SECURITY HEADS BRIEF GOVERNOR LALONG ON INSECURITY/CURFEW; SAY THEY ARE AFTER MISCREANTS WHO CARRIED ATTACKS.

Heads of security agencies in Plateau State this Sunday, 15th August 2021 briefed Governor Simon Bako Lalong on the security situation in the State and the level of implementation of the curfew imposed on Jos North, Jos South and Bassa LGAs.

The heads of the security agencies present at the closed-door meeting with the Governor include the Commander, Operation Safe Haven and GOC 3rd Armoured Division, Commissioner of Police, Airforce Commander, and State Director DSS.

Briefing newsmen after the meeting, Commissioner of Police Edward Egbuka said the various heads of security agencies briefed the Governor on the security situation which he said was under control.

He said the imposition of the 24 hour curfew in Jos North from this Sunday has curtailed the spread of violence in the Jos metropolis where 7 persons were killed.

According to him, a total of 36 persons from yesterday’s attack were rescued unhurt and in good condition. He said so far, more persons have been arrested and investigation is still ongoing.

CP Egbuka also addressed the controversy over the identity of those behind the attacks saying: “these are miscreants and hoodlums who want to take advantage of the situation to cause trouble and loot. This is not the first time it has happened. We don’t want to name anybody. It’s just miscreants and miscreants will also want to take advantage”.

He assured that the security agencies will go all out to ensure that they fish out the criminals and miscreants who must be made to face the law of the land.

He advised the citizens to abide by the curfew and avoid violations as the security agencies are poised to enforce the directives of the Governor in maintaining law and order.

Earlier, the Co-Chairmen of the Plateau Inter-Religous Council, Rev. Prof. Pandang Yamsat and Emir of Wase Alhaji Muhammadu Sambo Haruna met with the Governor behind closed doors to discuss the intervention of the Council in calming the current situation. They disclosed that the Council will be carrying out its engagements to further douse the tension.

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

Inspector -General of Police (IGP) Usman Baba, on Sunday ordered the immediate deployment of Police Intervention Team to Plateau State to carry out an on-the-spot assessment
So far 20 suspects have been arrested in connection with the killing of some 25 travellers in Rukuba area of Plateau’s Jos north local…
Another 33 people victims from the waylaid convoy of five buses have been rescued, police said on Sunday.
The Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Usman Baba, on Sunday ordered the immediate deployment of Police Intervention Team to Plateau State to carry out an on-the-spot assessment.
The team, which comprises personnel of Police Tactical Units – the Police Mobile Force (PMF), Counter Terrorism Unit (CTU), Police Special Forces, amongst others, is being led by the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Finance and Administration, Sanusi Lemu.
Also deployed are investigators and covert operatives from the Force Criminal Investigations Department (FCID) and the Force Intelligence Bureau (FIB), who are expected to provide additional investigative, intelligence and forensic support to the Plateau State Police Command in the ongoing investigations and rescue operations.
According to a statement by the Force spokesman, Frank MBA, the squads are to ensure enhanced, coordinated response to protect the community and boost public confidence in the affected area(s) of the State in order to prevent further attacks as well as bringing the perpetrators to justice.
The police chief enjoined citizens in the affected area(s) to support the security forces deployed to the hotspot by providing useful information that will lead to the arrest of other perpetrators of the crime and forestall any further attack.
The statement added, ”The IGP, while condemning the incident, has called for calm and assured victims and relatives of the attack that the Police are working with the military, other security forces and the State Government to ensure that all perpetrators of the unfortunate incident are brought to book.

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.