Reprisal Attack: 2 Dead As Hausa, Igbo Clash In Jos
In what could be described as a reprisal attack, members of a Hausa community in Jos, yesterday, attacked Igbos in the state following the reported attack on a Hausa community in Abia state on Tuesday.
As a result of the attack, Governor of Plateau State, Simon Lalong, declared an indefinite dusk-to-dawn curfew in order to douse the tension in the state.
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A statement by the Director of Press and Public Affairs, Mr Emmanuel Nanle Samuel, had said “the sudden buildup of tension” in Jos followed “the conduct of some disgruntled elements, who have decided to throw the metropolis into confusion on account of their negative reaction to the agitations of Independent People of Biafra (IPOB) in the South East”.
“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 statement read in part.
In a fresh statement, the governor in a meeting with community and religious leaders at the government house Jos, confirmed that two people died in the attack and some others were injured
The governor charged all community and religious leaders to ensure peaceful coexistence in their respective places of authority.
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“Community leaders must ensure peace in their domains, I as a governor, I cannot be everywhere, you must ensure that peace reigns. Let us talk to our youth to avoid taking laws into their hands.”
Lalong admonished residents of the state, irrespective of religion, ethnic and economic status to remain calm; saying government will ensure protection of lives and property.
“Government will handle the situation effectively, nobody is above the law,” he said.
“Our security operatives are up and doing. Anyone found wanting will face the full wrath of the law, that is why we imposed curfew.
“We will ensure maximum security measures in all parts of the state to ensure that no citizen is harmed. As I speak with you, similar meetings are ongoing in all our local government councils.”
