Violent Protests: Plateau Relaxes Curfew On Jos/Bukuru Metropolis

The Plateau State Government has announced a relaxation of the 24-hour curfew previously imposed on the Jos-Bukuru metropolis due to the improving security situation.

Starting from Wednesday, August 7, 2024, residents are now allowed to move freely between 2pm and 6pm daily until further notice.

Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang made the decision after consulting with security agencies. He praised their diligence and commitment to enforcing the curfew. “We must maintain vigilance to prevent any potential breakdown of law and order,” the governor stated, assuring the public that the government will continue to review the curfew as the situation improves.

Governor Mutfwang urged residents to cooperate with security personnel and report any suspicious activity. “Your cooperation is vital for the collective interests of the state. We remain committed to the safety and well-being of all citizens,” he said.

He also commended the residents for their patriotism in observing the curfew, noting that their compliance has been crucial for maintaining peace and order in the area.

LEADERSHIP reports that tension escalated across the country on Thursday as the nationwide #EndBadGovernance protests began in nearly all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.

The protests took a violent turn when hoodlums exploited the situation to loot public and private properties. In response to the unrest, state governments in Kano, Borno, Yobe, Katsina, Nasarawa, and Jigawa, among others, imposed curfews in volatile local government areas (LGAs) of their States.

Amnesty International (AI) has reported several deaths, while the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, confirmed the murder of a policeman, injuries to other officers, and the burning of police stations.

The protests, driven by social media, began on Thursday, August 1, 2024, and are scheduled to continue until August 10 across the country , including the nation’s capital, Abuja.

The demonstrators are protesting against severe economic hardships, exacerbated by the government’s removal of petrol subsidies and the unification of forex windows. Protesters are demanding the restoration of petrol subsidies, a reformed forex regime, and measures to address food shortages, unemployment, and governmental wastefulness. Additionally, they are calling for immediate reforms of the electoral commission INEC and the anti-graft agency EFCC, alongside a renewed effort to combat political corruption.