Tension In Jos As Igbo Traders Allegedly Close Shops For Fears Of Reprisal; Gov Lalong Declares Curfew 

Jos, the capital of Plateau state, is reportedly, currently stricken with tension as Igbo traders have allegedly closed shops for fear of a reprisal attacks from Hausa residents following news of a clash between Hausa community and some youths in Rivers state on Thursday.

The reports say there was pandemonium on Ahmadu Bello Way on Thursday evening over a rumour that a reprisal attack against non-northerners had started.

Particularly at Choba Junction, a resident claims both Hausa and Igbo youths are stoning each other.

Plateau State Governor, Simon Lalong has imposed a dusk-to-dawn curfew in Jos following an upheaval between Hausa and Igbo communities in the city on Thursday.

He has also ordered the deployment of security personnel across the city to secure the peace.

Lalong’s director of press and public affairs, Emmanuel Nanle Samuel, said in a statement that the governor was dismayed at the mounting tension.

Samuel said “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 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 wishes to assure all citizens that the security and welfare as the primary concern of government is assured by the Rescue Administration. He is therefore enjoining all citizens to go about their business with the assurance that their safety is guaranteed. He further 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.

“The governor wishes to restate that Plateau state remains home to all citizens of Nigeria irrespective of religion, ethnic extraction or political persuasion. He therefore enjoins all peace loving citizens to ensure that nothing is allowed to upset the hard earned peace in the state.”

Tension started brewing after rumours of an impending attack on Igbo residents because of the reported assault on Hausa in Port Harcourt, Rivers state, earlier on Thursday.

Igbo traders in Jos closed their shops earlier than usual out of fear of reprisal.

Towards Thursday evening, there was pandemonium on Ahmadu Bello Way and Rwang Pam area as a result of rumours that the reprisal had started.

Details soon…

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