Governor Caleb Mutfwang has convened a State Security Council meeting in Plateau over the ongoing protest against hunger and bad governance in Nigeria.
The meeting as announced in a statement by the Director of Press and Public Affairs to the governor, Gyang Bere was meant to assess and review the current security situation in Plateau State.
“In a proactive effort to prevent the loss of lives and destruction of property by miscreants aiming to hijack the nationwide protests, Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has convened a State Security Council Meeting to assess and review the current security situation in the state,” Bere said.
“The meeting, chaired by Governor Mutfwang, had in attendance, all heads of security agencies in the state, Deputy Governor Hon. Josephine Piyo, Secretary to the Government of the State Arc. Samuel Jatau, Chief of Staff, Hon. Jeremiah Satmark, the Gbong Gwom Jos, Da Jacob Gyang Buba and the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barr. Philemon Daffi.
“Governor Mutfwang emphasized the importance of the meeting, stating that it was aimed at evaluating the current security situation and protect lives and property from the actions of miscreants.”
Bere said the Plateau State Commissioner of Police, Emmanuel Adesina, who briefed journalists after the meeting urged residents to strictly adhere to the curfew earlier declared by the government on Jos and Bukuru metropolis.
Adesina while briefing newsmen also reported that 14 individuals had been arrested for violating the curfew.
“The nationwide protest had been peaceful in the state until some miscreants hijacked it on Sunday and began looting public and private assets,” Adesina said.
“Our resolution at the meeting is to fully and vigorously enforce the curfew. Anyone caught violating it will be prosecuted.”
The Special Adviser on Security and Coordinator of Operation Rainbow, Brig.-Gen. Gakji Shipi (rtd), appealed to residents to eschew violence and give peace a chance.
“This government is doing everything possible to ensure Plateau is peaceful, but the bad eggs among us are determined to tarnish our good image. We appeal to all citizens to avoid all forms of violence and seek peaceful means of addressing their concerns,” Shipi stated.
Meanwhile, Bere added that the curfew declared on Sunday remains in place until there is an improvement in the security situation.
According to him, though, essential duty workers are however exempted from the curfew.
Governor Mutfwang had earlier imposed a 24-hour curfew on the Jos/Bukuru axis effective from 12 midnight on Sunday, August 4, 2024.
Bere announced the curfew in a statement, adding that the governor took the step in a decisive move to enhance the security of lives and maintain public order in Plateau.
“Governor Mutfwang, in consultation with state security agencies, took this decision after reviewing the actions of unscrupulous individuals who exploited the nationwide protest to unleash terror on innocent citizens,” Bere said.
“The governor noted that these criminal elements, armed with daggers, machetes, and other dangerous weapons, broke into shops and restaurants along Bauchi Road and Zololo Junction, looting foodstuffs and other valuable items.
“Governor Mutfwang emphasized that the curfew is in the best interest of all citizens and urged everyone to comply fully to ensure the safety and well-being of all residents. He directed security agencies in the state to ensure the total enforcement of the curfew across Jos/Bukuru Metropolis.”
