The Plateau State Government has relaxed the curfew it imposed on three local government areas in the state in the wake of the attacks that left at least 100 dead.
Secretary to the State Government, Rufus Bature, announced the decision in a statement on Monday.
“In view of the relative peace and calm that is gradually returning to Jos South, Barkin Ladi and Riyom local government areas, the Executive Governor of Plateau State, Simon Lalong has approved the relaxation of the earlier dusk-to-dawn curfew imposed on the areas from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. with effect from today, Monday, July 2, 2018,” he said in a statement.
This comes nine days after suspected herdsmen raided villages in Barkin Local Government, killing scores, burning over 50 houses, and causing panic and tension in the state.
A day after the killings, on June 24, the state government had imposed a curfew on Barkin Ladi and two neighbouring LGAs – Jos-North and Riyom – to forestall reprisals and the break down of law and order.
The attacks had attracted widespread criticism and led to the deployment of special forces to the state, and President Muhammadu Buhari, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, the Nigerian Governors Forum as well as former President Olusegun Obasanjo all paid condolence visits to the state.
Although the state government believes that relative peace and calm have returned to the affected areas, it urged residents to show restraint.
“Citizens are advised to exercise restraint as they go about their legitimate activities without fear of any form of molestation and to remain calm and report any suspicious movement to the law enforcement agents,” the SSG said.
