Army warns against protest over Plateau killings, says ‘it’s unnecessary’

The Nigerian Army has warned youths in Plateau against staging a protest over the recent attack that led to the death of more than 20 people in the state.

On Saturday, suspected hoodlums attacked Muslim worshippers travelling along the Rukuba highway in Jos north LGA.

Twenty-two persons were confirmed dead, while 14 others sustained injuries in the attack.

President Muhammadu Buhari, governors, civil society organisations, among others, have asked security operatives to ensure that the perpetrators are arrested.

Twenty suspects are currently in custody over the attack, while the Plateau government has declared a 24-hour curfew in Jos north LGA.

In a statement on Tuesday, Ishaku Takwa, spokesman of the special task force, operation Safe Haven (OPSH) in Plateau, said the military has received information that some youths are planning to hold a demonstration on Wednesday.

Describing the protest as unnecessary, Takwa urged the youths to suspend any planned demonstration.

“In the interest of peace, youths planning any protest over the incident should shelve that plan. There is a curfew in place; no one should attempt to violate it,” he said.

“Our attention has been drawn to a message circulating on social media calling on Muslim youths to embark on peaceful protest slated for Wednesday, August 18.

“The message stated that the demonstration is expected to commence from Jos Central Mosque to the State House of Assembly Complex.

“While we will not want to join issues with the organisers of the planned protest, it is instructive to state that in view of the fragile nature of peace on the Plateau, this protest is unnecessary and uncalled for.

“We are fully aware that religious leaders have distanced themselves from the planned message. They have categorically stated that they are not in support of the peaceful demonstration.

“We are, therefore, sending a strong warning to those planning this demonstration and the originators of the message to have a rethink.

“The 24-hour curfew imposed by government on Jos North and 12-hour curfew on Jos South and Bassa local government areas is still in place and we are fully deployed to ensure its enforcement.

“We will not allow anybody or group to breach the fragile peace in Jos metropolis. Consequently, anybody found acting contrary to the law will be dealt with.”

Takwa also urged residents to be law abiding and support the military and other security agencies toward ending all forms of insecurity in the state.