Plateau killings: INEC suspends voter registration exercise in five LGAs over curfew

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says it has suspended the ongoing continuous voter registration exercise in five LGAs of Plateau state.

According to NAN, a statement on Monday by Caroline Okpe, INEC administrative secretary, on behalf of the Plateau resident electoral commissioner (REC), noted that the suspension was due to the curfew imposed by the state government.

“The suspension will affect the registration centres in Barkin Ladi, Bassa, Jos East, Jos North and Riyom local councils until further notice,” the statement reads.

“INEC wishes to assure fresh voters, who had problems with their PVCs, that they would be promptly attended to as soon as the situation improves.”

Twenty-two people were confirmed dead, following an attack that occurred along Rukuba road in Jos north LGA, Plateau state, on Saturday.

The victims were said to be returning to Ondo after attending an Islamic programme in Bauchi.

Simon Lalong, governor of the state, had subsequently declared a 24-hour curfew in Jos north LGA of the state to forestall breakdown of law and order.

The state government also imposed a 6pm to 6am curfew on Bassa and Jos south LGAs due to the attacks.

President Muhammadu Buhari, as well as governors all over the country, have condemned the killings and called on security agents to find the perpetrators.

Okpe said INEC would ensure that all eligible citizens in the state are registered when the situation improves.

So far, 8,790 persons have completed their voter registration process in Plateau, according to data released by INEC on Monday.