‘I won’t allow religious crisis in Plateau’ — Lalong talks tough after killings

Simon Lalong, governor of Plateau, says he will clamp down on any attempt to incite crisis in the state through the dissemination of false information.

Twenty-two travellers were killed on Saturday following an attack that occurred along Rukuba road in Jos North LGA of the state.

The attack, which targeted a convoy of buses conveying some worshippers returning to Ondo after attending an Islamic programme in Bauchi, also left 14 others injured.

Speaking on Monday after a visit to some of the victims, Lalong said his government would arrest and deal with anyone spreading inciting messages on social media.

“We will not allow religious crisis in the state,” the governor said.

“People should stop the issue of sending wrong messages. Many of the issues that happened are as a result of that.

“I assure you that we are going after those people sending wrong messages leading to the killing of people.

“This is a clear warning to everybody who will want to use this opportunity to bring back what we have already forgotten, This is the time to deal with such people no matter their status.”

The governor said the visit was to monitor the level of compliance with the 24-hour curfew in the LGA.

The special task force, operation Safe Haven (OPSH), in Plateau, has arrested 12 suspects over the attack.