Protest: Plateau Government Further Relaxes Curfew

• The Plateau State Government has relaxed the 24-hour curfew, allowing free movement from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. daily
• Governor Caleb Mutfwang attributed the decision to improved security, urging residents to cooperate with security personnel and report suspicious activities

The Plateau State Government has further relaxed the 24-hour curfew imposed on the Jos-Bukuru metropolis, following violent protests. This announcement was made by Mr. Gyang Bere, the Director of Press and Public Affairs to Governor Caleb Mutfwang, in a statement on Monday in Jos.

According to Bere, Governor Mutfwang has ordered that there will now be free movement between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. starting from Tuesday. The curfew was originally imposed on Sunday, August 4th, after hoodlums looted public and private assets in the Jos North Local Government Area (LGA). Individuals who hijacked the nationwide “End Bad Governance” protest carried out these criminal acts.

Bere explained that the decision to relax the curfew further was based on advice from security agencies, noting that the situation in the area has significantly improved.

“In light of the improved security situation in the Jos-Bukuru metropolis, the Plateau Government has further relaxed the curfew, effective Tuesday, August 13th. Residents are now permitted to move freely for their lawful activities between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. daily until further notice,” Bere said.

He added that the governor, in consultation with security agencies, decided to allow law-abiding citizens to continue their economic activities while maintaining public order.

Governor Mutfwang expressed gratitude to the security agencies for effectively enforcing the curfew and assured that the government will continue to review the situation as security improves. He also urged residents within the Jos-Bukuru metropolis to cooperate with security personnel and report any suspicious activities for prompt action.

The Nigerian News Agency (NAN) also reported that, with the return of calm to the Jos-Bukuru area, the Commander of Operation Safe Haven (OPSH), Maj.-Gen. Abdusalam Abubakar, has withdrawn all troops that were earlier deployed to enforce the curfew in the state.