Plateau govt imposes 24-hour curfew on Mangu LGA after over 100 die in clashes

The Plateau State government has imposed a 24-hour curfew on Mangu Local Government after over 100 people were killed in recent spate of violence in Riyom and Mangu LGAs.

Governor Caleb Mutfwang issued the directive through a statement released by his Director of Press and Public Affairs, Mr Gyang Bere, on Sunday in Jos.

During a service at the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria (EYN), Governor Mutfwang revealed that 11 victims of the attacks in the Sabon Gari community had been laid to rest earlier that morning.

The attacks in Sabon Gari were just one instance of a series of incidents in both Mangu and Riyom local government areas, resulting in the loss of over 100 lives, destruction of farmlands and properties, and the displacement of several villages.

The governor’s directive aims to restore law and order and was made after consultations with the State Security Council.

As a result, all movements within the affected local government are prohibited until further notice, with the exception of security personnel and individuals involved in essential duties. Security agencies have been instructed to strictly enforce the curfew.

Meanwhile, Maj.-Gen. Abdusalam Abubakar, the Commander of Operation Safe Haven (OPSH), has temporarily relocated the headquarters of the operation to Mangu Local Government Area. OPSH, a Special Military Task Force responsible for maintaining peace in Plateau State and its environs, took swift action following the attack on Sabon Gari.

Maj.-Gen. Abubakar, who also serves as the General Officer Commanding (GOC), the 3rd Division of the Nigerian Army in Rukuba, moved to the area within 24 hours of assuming command.

“’I have relocated the headquarters of OPSH here so we can work with the local authority.

“We will stay here until we stabilise the situation

“The governor is disturbed with the happenings, and that is why I am personally here to lead my troops.

“We won’t allow the situation to deteriorate further. We are not here to joke; and so we will be decisive, fair and firm,” Abubakar said.