THE Presidency has condemned the attack on travellers by suspected bandits in Jos, Plateau State.
The hoodlums had in the early hours of yesterday killed 25 people during an attack on a travelling party along Gada-Biyu road in the Jos North local government area of the state.
The victims were returning from Bauchi State where they attended an event marking the beginning of the Islamic New Year when the gunmen struck.
Several other passengers were injured in the attack.
In a statement issued by the Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to the President, Garba Shehu, yesterday, the Presidency described the attack on the travellers as unacceptable, heinous, and a complete contradiction to religious teachings in the country.
The statement read: “It is widely known that Plateau State has been one of the states affected by herder-farmer clashes, which have, in a significant way, been curtailed following the intense peace-building efforts of the administration of Governor Simon Lalong.
“However, to be clear, this is not an agriculturalist-on-pastoralist confrontation – but rather a direct, brazen, and wickedly motivated attack on members of a community exercising their rights to travel freely and to follow the faith of their choosing.
“With the evident preparedness of their attackers, it is clear this was a well-conceived and pre-arranged assault on a known target, location and religious persuasion of the travellers, not an opportunist ambush.
“The Presidency offers condolences to the families of the victims and continues to liaise closely with the local authorities – including security, the police, and governmental agencies.
“These kinds of attacks on our country’s citizens are unacceptable, heinous, and stand a complete contradiction to the teachings of the great religions of our nation.
“The Presidency stands steadfast with both Christians and Muslims at this time in condemnation of this latest attack and expects and insists that swift is swiftly – but fairly – delivered to the perpetrators.”
Meanwhile Governor Simon Lalong has imposed in Jos North Bassa and Jos South Local Government Areas.
Lalong took the decision in a statement personally signed by him issued last night titled: “Imposition of curfew on Jos North, Bassa and Jos South” obtained by our Correspondent in Abuja.
He said, “Sequel to the unfortunate breach of peace along Rukuba road, Jos North LGA on August 14 2021, where a convoy of commuters was attacked leading to killing of innocent persons, I have received briefings on the situation from the relevant heads of security agencies.
“The reports indicate that 23 of those attacked lost their lives while 23 persons sustained injuries and are currently receiving treatment. 26 others were rescued unhurt. So far, 20 suspects have been arrested and the security agencies are conducting investigations to get to the bottom of the matter.
“Having reviewed the reports and monitored the unfolding scenario, government is concerned about the persisting tensions and reported attempts by some persons to take the laws into their hands by threatening to attack individuals and private facilities, as well as public property.
“In order to avoid further deterioration of the situation and to protect lives and properties of citizens, I have directed the imposition of curfew on Jos North, Bassa and Jos South Local Governments commencing 6pm to 6am from August 14 2021.
“The curfew shall remain in place subject to further review by the State Security Council.
“All citizens are therefore directed to abide by the directive to enable security personnel maintain law and order in the affected areas and deal with those attempting to foment trouble by taking advantage of the situation to perpetrate crime.
“The government will continue to monitor the unfolding situation and take further necessary measures to ensure the safety of lives and properties.
“While I deeply sympathize with the families of those who lost their loved ones, and those injured in the unfortunate event, I call for calm and appeal to our citizens to avoid any action or utterances that will further inflame the situation.
“This is purely a criminal conduct and should not be given any ethnic or religious colouration.
“Let us continue to be vigilant and be security conscious and do everything possible to sustain peace and security of the State. God bless Plateau State.”
