Curfew declared in Plateau state’s Mangu as fresh crisis breaks out

Gov. Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau has declared a 24-hour curfew on Mangu Local Government Area after crisis broke out in the volatile area on Tuesday.

Reports say armed groups set fire on places of worship and attacked residents because of their religions. The state is predominantly Christian.

Years of ethnoreligious tensions often lead to deadly attacks on communities. On December 24, nearly 200 people were killed in three local Mangu, Bokkos and Barkin Ladi local government areas by suspected Fulani herders.

Pluboard could not immediately confirm if there were casualties in the latest incident.

A statement by Gyang Bere, the director of press and public affairs, quoted the governor as saying that the curfew became necessary “in view of the deterioration of the security situation within the area”.

“We arrived at this decision after consultations with the relevant security agencies; only persons on essential duties are allowed to move within the local government area until further notice,” the statement said.

“I urge all citizens, especially residents of Mangu Local Government Area, to comply with the directive and assist the security personnel by providing reliable information to aid the bid to restore peace and order.

“It may appear as though some people are determined to create an atmosphere of insecurity in the state, despite the government’s efforts to end the activities of terrorist elements.

“I want to express my sympathy to the families of affected victims and the injured, and assure them that government will do everything possible to ensure that lasting peace returns to Plateau.

“The curfew will be reviewed as soon as the security situation improves,” Mutfwang was quoted as saying.”