The Plateau State Government has placed the state capital, Jos under an indefinite dusk-to-dawn curfew due to tension between members of the Hausa and Igbo communities in the city.
Governor Simon Lalong is worried about the tension and fears of a clash between both groups, a statement by the Director of Press and Public Affairs, Mr Emmanuel Nanle Samuel, said.
Tension built up in the city after rumours made the rounds that members of the Hausa community were set to the attack Igbos in retaliation to reported attacks on a Hausa community in Rivers.
As a result, there was confusion around the city centre with traders hurriedly closing their shops and residents rushing back home.
The government attributed the “the sudden buildup of tension” in Jos to “the conduct of some disgruntled elements, who have decided to throw the metropolis into confusion on account of their negative reaction to the agitations of Independent People of Biafra (IPOB) in the South East”.
“Consequently, the governor has directed an immediate imposition of curfew from dusk to dawn (6pm – 6am) within the Greater Jos-Bukuru Metropolis, until further notice,” the statement read in part.
“The deployment of security personnel to all flash points within the metropolis has also been directed to ensure compliance with the curfew order and to avert any further breach of law and order.”
The governor assured all citizens of their safety and asked them to go about their activities without fear.
He appealed to all religious and community leaders, neighbourhood vigilantes as well as all law abiding citizens to ensure nobody is allowed to take advantage of this unfortunate situation to engage in criminality.
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