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Tag: Lalong

  • Plateau attacks: Lalong relaxes curfew in Jos North

    Plateau attacks: Lalong relaxes curfew in Jos North

    Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau has relaxed the curfew in Jos North Local Government.

    This is contained in a statement issued by Lalong’s Director of Press and Public Affairs , Dr Makut Macham in Jos.

    Lalong said the curfew in Jos North is now to be enforced from 10p.m. to 6a.m., with effect from Wednesday.

    He said that the curfew was reviewed following the State Security Council meeting at Government House Jos, over the recent attacks in the state .

    The governor, however said, the curfew in Jos South and Bassa Local Government Areas still remain from 10p.m. to 6a.m.

    The governor also relaxed the total ban on operations of tricycles.

    “This means that no tricycle will be allowed to operate between the hours of 6p.m. to 6a.m.

    “However, the ban on motorcycles within the Jos/Bukuru Metropolis remains in force and will continue to ensure that violators are arrested and punished according to the law.

    ”The government is working on innovations, legislations and enforcement modules, for enhancing security, effectiveness and availability of public transportation in the State.

    ”It will soon be unveiled to ensure safety of passengers,” he said.

    He thanked the people of Plateau for their cooperation in complying to its directives, while urging them to continue to support Government in restoring normalcy to the State.

    Lalong also thanked all stakeholders within and outside the State for their show of concern over recent attacks in Plateau.

    He assured that his administration would continue to pursue the path of peaceful coexistence.

    Lalong also stated that criminals and crisis merchants bent on tarnishing the enviable image of the State, would be fished out and dealt with.

  • Plateau crisis: Lalong relaxes curfew in Jos, Bassa

    Plateau crisis: Lalong relaxes curfew in Jos, Bassa

    Governor of Plateau State Simon Lalong has relaxed curfews imposed on parts of the state due to insecurity.

    The Governor, in a broadcast on Monday, said the 24-hour curfew in Jos North is now to be enforced from 6pm to 6am until further notice.

    “The curfew in Jos South and Bassa is to also be further relaxed,” Lalong said.

    “As from Monday 30th August 2021, the curfew shall be enforced between 10pm to 6am until further notice.”

    The Governor noted that the ban on tricycles (Keke Napep) and hawkers remains in place within Jos/Bukuru metropolis.

    Also, he announced that the Plateau Economic and Investment Summit earlier scheduled for September 1 and 2 has been postponed.

    “A new date will be announced and communicated to all our invitees,” the Governor said. “We apologise for any inconveniences this postponement might cause.”

    Recent attacks in Jos North, Bassa, Riyom, and Barkin Ladi have plunged Plateau into a state of high tension.

    About 36 people were killed last week in Yelwa Zangam village, Zangam District in Jos North Local Government Area.

    Many state governments have transported their indigenes from Jos metropolis and the University of Jos has been shut down.

    While some have attributed the killings to ethnic and religious reasons, the state government has maintained they are “purely criminal activities that must be treated as such.”

    “Even though they are quickly given ethno-religious connotations, there is no justification for the killing of anyone human being,” Lalong said on Monday.

    “We are a society that is guided by rules which do not permit anyone to take the laws into his or her hands no matter the grievances.”

    To resolve the security crisis, Lalong said he has engaged with high level stakeholders, including traditional, political, community and religious leaders.

    “It is important to state that we have had several engagements with them in the past and made efforts to ensure that peace prevails in the area,” the Governor said.

    “Between January and July this year, the Plateau Peace Building Agency has conducted over 34 mediation engagements at community levels in Miango, Kwall, Dusten Kura, and Gyelobari Districts of Bassa LGA.

    “In response to the attacks, I also held meetings with the Plateau Inter-Religious Council and directed them, along with the Peace Building Agency to swing into action by carrying out more consultations and engagements to defuse tensions, calm nerves and dig deep into the immediate and remote causes of these conflicts with a view to bringing the ugly situation to an end.”

  • Plateau Assembly gives Lalong 2-week ultimatum to end killings

    Plateau Assembly gives Lalong 2-week ultimatum to end killings

    The Plateau State House of Assembly has given Gov. Simon Lalong two weeks to address the security challenges bedviling the state.
    Mr Philip Dasun, Chairman, House Committee on Information conveyed the position of the legislators when he briefed newsmen in Jos.
    Dasun said that the assembly would know the next line of action after the two-week ultimatum.
    “As an assembly with people at heart, we call on Plateau citizens to have confidence in us with renewed commitment
    “We have given two weeks to the governor to take action on the resolutions the House has forwarded on security matters and how to restore peace.
    “We call on the Gov. Simon Bako Lalong to come up with a statement defending us as a people and to bring back renewed commitment to the cause of Plateau.
    “We strongly call on Plateau people to practically stand up and defend themselves and their communities, as the conventional security design is no longer guaranteeing our safety as a people,” he said.
    The committee chairman also called on traditional rulers to look inward and release the local security design to protect Plateau people as well as reinforce the vigilance, hunters and local wise men to defend the people.
    He said that as a sign of commitment to the urgent need for the people to protect themselves, the Plateau State House of Assembly had directed all local government Chairmen to suspend their planned recruitment of Adhoc teachers, and instead, recruit 200 vigilante personnel in each local government area to boost and augment local intelligence gathering.
    The legislator called on security operatives to fish out the perpetrators of the mayhem and be punished according to the Law.
    “On behalf of the assembly, I wish to sympathize with the government and Plateau people on the barbaric and dastardly killings that have been taking place in different communities in the state.
    “I sympathize with communities in Bassa, Barkin Ladi, Bokkos, Jos North, Jos South, Mangu, Riyom, University of Jos community and recently that of Yelwa Zangam.
    “The House condemns all these killings in totality, all these killings are unacceptable and condemnable.
    “We commiserate with the families of all those who lost their loved ones during these attacks,” he said.
    Mr Nanbol Daniel, Chairman, House Committee on Health in his contribution urged the people to protect themselves but should not go against the law.
    Daniel said that the assembly had resolved that Plateau Government should compensate victims of the attacks.
    The health committee chairman said that legislators would continue to update the people on their efforts to restore peace in the state.
  • Fresh killings: Lalong re-imposes 24-hour curfew on Jos North LGA

    Fresh killings: Lalong re-imposes 24-hour curfew on Jos North LGA

    The Plateau State Government has re-imposed a 24-hour curfew on Jos North Local Government Area (LGA).

    Director of Press and Public Affairs to Governor Simon Lalong, Dr Makut Macham, announced this in a statement on Wednesday.

    Imposing curfew on the local government follows tensions sparked by the attack on Yelwa Zangam – a village in Zangam District of the state.

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

    “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.”

    Governor Lalong equally states that the 6pm to 6am curfew in Jos South and Bassa LGAs still remains in place until further notice.

    Meanwhile, 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,” the statement added.

    “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.”

  • Lalong condemns fresh attack in Jos North LGA

    Lalong condemns fresh attack in Jos North LGA

    Gov. Simon Lalong of Plateau has condemned an attack perpetrated on Tuesday night at Yelwa Zangam community in Jos North Local Government Area of the state during which lives were reportedly lost and properties destroyed.

    Lalong made the condemnation in a statement issued by his Director of Press and Public Affairs, Dr Makut Macham, on Wednesday in Jos.

    He described the act as barbaric, disclosing that security agencies had already arrested ten suspects in connection with the attack.

    He said the arrest was to intensify efforts at tracking down the other assailants and their sponsors and bring them to justice.

    According to the statement, the governor is furious over the attack which security reports indicated that it was carefully planned and executed.

    He further said that the bridge linking the community was said to have been destroyed in order to deny security agencies access to the area during the attack.

    Lalong sympathised with the people affected by the incident and called for calm, while assuring them that they would get justice.

    He warned criminals to desist from perpetrating evil acts saying that they would be pursued, arrested and dealt with, no matter how long the investigation would take.

    He said that his administration would not allow the reign of terror to persist and rubbish all the investments made in restoring peace in the state.

    Meanwhile, the governor has praised the gallantry of security forces that successfully engaged and neutralised six criminals that belonged to a kidnapping syndicate of innocent people in Mangu Local Government Area.

    According to the statement, troops from Operation Safe Haven and the Nigerian Police Intelligence Response Team (IRT) engaged the bandits in response to distress calls.

    Lalong expressed his deep condolences to the Nigeria Police and families of the Police Officer and Member of the Vigilante who lost their lives during the operation and assured them of Government support.

    He vowed to make Plateau uncomfortable for criminals.

  • Plateau Killings: Lalong updates Buhari, says all culprits must face justice

    Plateau Killings: Lalong updates Buhari, says all culprits must face justice

    President Muhammadu Buhari has met behind closed doors with Gov. Simon Lalong of Plateau in the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Tuesday in Abuja.

    Speaking to State House correspondents at the end of the meeting, the governor said he updated the president on the security developments in Plateau.

    He said President Buhari pledged that support would be given to victims of the violent clashes in the state.

    “I also made a request to the President about relieve materials and also still re-echoed the issue of resettlement of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).

    “We have a lot of IDPs in my State, we have a lot on our hands already and when such happens, you expect the state to seek for support for relieve materials.

    “We are doing our best but the president said he will talk to the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, so that attention would be given to those who are displaced as a result of this crisis.

    “For over six years now, we have been enjoying peace in Plateau State so, anybody that wants to take Plateau back to those old days of crisis, it is not only me as governor but all Plateau people will resist that.

    “They have said ‘we don’t want to go back to crisis again, we are enjoying peace, and we want to continue to enjoy our peace,’’ he said.

    On recent killing of travellers at Rukuba, near Jos, and other violent clashes in the state, the governor vowed that all those implicated would be prosecuted irrespective of their background or “connections” in the society.

    According to him, the security situation in the State has greatly improved and very soon, the curfew imposed on troubled areas will be further relaxed.

    He said: “What we are doing is to ensure that there is proper investigation and prosecution.

    “You know, both the Soldiers and Police are controlled by the Presidency and right now they are diligently working in my state on a daily basis.

    “That is why on the first day, I announced a 24-hour curfew but I kept on relaxing it. The curfew would further be relaxed, so that people can carry out their normal activities.

    “We are the only state that has a peace building agency set up by the State government and it is the only state that for now has established an interreligious council.

    “These are all the efforts that we have done and within a short time, peace has returned to Plateau state.”

    The governor also appealed for calm and restraint, adding that those calling for reprisals did not mean well for the state.

    “Again, I want to appeal to people because most of those who are outside the state calling for reprisal are not people from Plateau.

    “I am yet to see one cleric coming out to say I want reprisal. I have set up an interreligious committee, which comprises all top religious leaders in Plateau State, both Muslims and Christians and when things like this happen, they address it.

    “So for people to call from outside the state for reprisal, I say no because they are crying more than the bereaved; leave us. We are handling our issue; we are doing reconciliation and consultations.

    “If you want to do a reprisal, you are on your own. We have agreed with the religious leaders and all of them are doing their best, they are cooperating with the State and we are also doing our best,’’ he said.

    According to him, the state government has since given support to survivors of the skirmish that occurred at Rukuba, near Jos, on Aug. 14, when over 24 travellers from Ondo State were killed.

    “When this happened, we had to go to Ondo. But in so many places that is unusual, but we took all of them that we rescued and treated and went there with a powerful team led by the Deputy Governor of Plateau with all religious leaders to Ondo to sympathize with the State,’’ he added.

  • Lalong opposes bail for Plateau massacre suspects

    Lalong opposes bail for Plateau massacre suspects

    Gov. Simon Lalong of Plateau has warned against any rush to bail suspects of the Aug. 14 killings on Rukuba Road in Jos, and other attacks in the state.

    The governor spoke on Tuesday at an emergency peace and security stakeholders meeting held in Jos.

    The meeting focused on the August 14 incident and other attacks in Bassa, Jos South, Barkin ladi and Riyom Local Government Areas.

    “The rush to bail suspects of unrest when arrested for investigation frustrates efforts to find lasting solution to insecurity in Plateau. Henceforth, people rushing to bail suspects will also be arrested .

    “If you find them, please arrest them; if people rush to bail them, arrest them,” he said .

    He said that such action would deter people fond of bailing suspects of unrest, alleging that such gestures implied that most of them were either sponsors or accomplices to such crimes.

    He said that the meeting with critical stakeholders comprising former governors, political leaders, elders, traditional and community leader, was to seek their views on measures to end the cycle of violence in Plateau.

    Lalong held that the insecurity, particularly in some local governments, required concerted efforts toward lasting peace.

    “We cannot afford to fail the upcoming generation by refusing to do the needful,” he declared.

    He decried the misuse of the social media by people out to worsen an already bad situation through the massive spread of fake and unsubstantiated videos and messages.

    “Such fake messages only ignite further attacks.

    “I have directed the security agencies to go after such persons and ensure they faced the law for incitement and hate speech,” he said

    He also urged religious leaders and other stakeholders holders not to incite their followers with their sermons or comments on insecurity, noting that they (clerics) were also guided by the constitution.

    “In future, defaulters will be arrested and made to face the full wrath of the law,” he said.

  • Plateau killing: Lalong slams curfew on 3 LGAs

    Plateau killing: Lalong slams curfew on 3 LGAs

    Plateau government has imposed curfew on Bassa, Jos North and Jos South Local Government Areas, following Saturday’s attacks on travelling Ondo indigenes around Jos North Local Government.

    Twenty-two of them were reportedly killed and 23 injured.

    Gov. Simon Lalong in a statement by his Director of Press and Public Affairs , Dr Makut Macham on Sunday in Jos, said the curfew commenced on Aug 14, from 6pm to 6am

    ” I have directed the imposition of curfew on Jos North, Bassa and Jos South Local Government Areas, commencing 6pm to 6am,from today, 14th August 2021.

    “The curfew shall remain in place, subject to further review by the State Security Council,” he said.

    The governor warned against violation of the order, saying that security personnel would take all measures to maintain law and order in the affected areas.

    He said the state government would continue to monitor the situation and take further action if necessary, to ensure the safety of lives and property.

    Lalong also called for calm and appealed to residents to avoid any action or utterances that would further inflame the situation, saying security agencies are conducting investigations on the attack.

    “So far, 20 suspects have been arrested and the security agencies are conducting investigations to get to the bottom of the matter,” he assured.

    He sympathised with the families of those who lost their loved ones, and those injured as a result of the unfortunate incident.

    No fewer than 22 travellers travelling to Ikare in Ondo state were killed in the ambush.

  • Arrest bandits behind Plateau killings- Lalong

    Arrest bandits behind Plateau killings- Lalong

    Plateau State Governor, Simon Lalong, has called on residents of the state to intensify surveillance in their communities so as to stop further attacks on them by gunmen.

    The governor made the call on Monday when he visited some communities invaded by gunmen in Jos South Local Government Area of the state.

    Lalong’s call was contained in a statement issued after the visit by the Director of Press and Public Affairs, Government House, Makut Macham, and titled ‘Kuru killings: Lalong warns against attacks on innocent citizens, begs communities to increase surveillance’.

    “Governor Lalong, who expressed disgust over the murderous incident which occurred on Sunday night in Sabon Layi Kuru, in Jos South Local Government Area and left 12 people dead and five critically injured, said these unprovoked and isolated attacks on soft targets must be stopped at all cost, as the government will never allow few criminal elements to create fear in the hearts of the citizens.

    “He said irrespective of the motives behind the killings, the government is treating it as a purely criminal activity and has directed security agencies to swiftly investigate, pursue, and arrest the perpetrators who must face justice,” the statement partly read.

     

  • Nigeria’s challenges not insurmountable -Lalong

    Nigeria’s challenges not insurmountable -Lalong

    Plateau State Governor, Simon Lalong has stated that Nigerians will overcome the current challenges facing the nation when they pray and also work with resolution to remove all difficulties to peaceful coexistence, under development and productivity.

    Governor Lalong was speaking on Friday during the monthly prayer and fasting session held at the Government House Chapel, Rayfield, Jos the state capital.

    Lalong who recognized that Nigeria is facing challenges of insecurity, unemployment, illiteracy among others, said there is no need to despair because tough times do not last forever.

    He said his experience as Governor of Plateau State in the past six years has proved that it is possible to turn around a bad situation into a better one when there is purposeful leadership that mobilizes people across different divides.

    He said, “When we took over, there was so much agony and despondency because of crisis and other suspicious interactions. We have so far done our best to restore peace but some crisis merchants are bent on taking us back. We will never allow them because our prayer and commitment will defeat these evil people who thrive in creating chaos. The recent attacks in Dong and Kwi in Jos North and Riyom are very regrettable and we are on the trail of these killers. I urge the citizens to pray and also be vigilant to give us information about criminals. We will deal with them.”

    The Governor also thanked the people of Plateau State for praying for his administration and giving him the needed support to record various accomplishments and improving the lives of the people.

    Chaplain of the Government House Chapel, Rev. Monsignor David Ajang, who is the Bishop-elect for Lafia said the hope of the world is found in the Lord and people cannot work on the basis of their flesh.

    He said dependence on God is always profitable as it guarantees victory over every difficult circumstance such as the one that Nigeria is undergoing.

    He also announced that he was having his last assignment in the Chapel as he will soon be resuming office as the Bishop of Lafia Diocese.