By Gwamkat Gwamzhi
Reports say calm has returned to Jos, the capital city of Plateau, north central Nigeria, following Tuesday night protests by residents of Gada biyu, in Jos North Local Government Area of the State.
AFRICA PRIME NEWS gathered that the protests were in relation to the renewed attacks and hostility on communities in Bassa and Riyom Local Government Areas of the State.
Our checks show that residents of Gada biyu, who protested were mostly ethnic groups from the affected Bassa communities where humans, farm lands and homes have been targets of assailants.
Two trucks were burnt around the Gada Biyu area, while residents erected illegal checkpoints to stop and search commuters.
In a viral video on social media, gunshots around the area could be heard, as few movements could be seen.
A resident of the area, Esther Elonye, who spoke with AFRICA PRIME NEWS said youths barricaded the road passing through the area at around 7pm, but the quick intervention of the security agencies brought the situation under control.
“It was nothing serious, but for the gunshots by security agents to calm irate protesting youths.
“It was mostly shared on social media. People were calling to ask of our well-being, but it was nothing beyond the ordinary,” Ms Elonye said.
Another resident of the area told AFRICA PRIME NEWS that she had to wait till 9pm for calm to restore before returning home.
Wednesday morning, security agents were seen on bikes and Hilux vans patrolling major parts of Jos city, ensuring no breach of peace.
AFRICA PRIME NEWS gathered that the security agents, Wednesday morning, dispersed a group of youth who gathered at a location in Unguwan Rukuba area of the city.
A statement by spokesperson to the Plateau State Governor, Simon Macham says normalcy had been restored following the deployment of security agencies to the area.
“Jos, the capital city of Plateau State is calm and peaceful as there is no cause for alarm. The breach of peace reported around Gada Biyu, Jos North LGA, has been put under control following swift response by security agencies.”
According to the statement, “security personnel responded to the incident, where some youths reportedly obstructed traffic and set ablaze two trucks on the highway.
“The intervention of the security personnel immediately brought the situation under control as the youths were dispersed and the road cleared, thereby restoring traffic flow.”
The Government used the medium to urge citizens to avoid any act that could lead to the breakdown of law and order.
It also assured that security forces will continue their operations to dominate areas affected by recent attacks in Bassa and Riyom LGAs, with a view to restoring normalcy and arresting perpetrators as directed by Governor Simon Lalong.
News Editor
[…] days after, youths and sympathisers of victims of the attacked communities hit the streets to protest the attacks and alleged silence of the […]