As calm returns to Jos after Monday’s violence that claimed 10 lives, security has been beefed up in and around the city as Muslims celebrate Eid-el Fitr.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) correspondents who went round some parts of the city yesterday, observed that fierce-looking personnel of the military Special
Task Force (STF) were stationed in areas considered as flash points.
Mobile policemen were also in many other flash points while mobile vans conveying armed soldiers, policemen and officers of the local security outfit, “Operation Rainbow’’ were patrolling the city.
Encouraged by the tight security, residents appeared to move about freely, though many kept hoping that the peace in the morning would last throughout the day.
“We are ready to safeguard lives and property and people should go about their normal businesses,’’ STF spokesman, Capt, Charles Ekeocha, told NAN.
The peace enjoyed by Plateau residents over the past weeks, was shattered on Monday morning in an orgy of violence that left no fewer than 10 people dead while at least 40 others were taken to Bingham University Teaching Hospital (BUTH) with gun shot injuries.
BUTH Deputy Chief Medical Director and Chairman of the ECWA Church-owned Hospital’s Medical Advisory Committee, Dr David Lass who spoke to NAN, described the situation as “very serious’’.
Monday’s violence, which started around Farin Gada and Gada Biu areas, threw the metropolis into confusion as fear-stricken residents ran for safety.
The violence was traced to a clash between youth groups as the Izala Islamic sect faithful went to Rukuba praying ground to mark the Sallah festivity.
Other sources blamed the violence on protests by Gada Biu community residents over the planned use of the Polo Ground as Eid praying ground.
Police Commissioner, Dipo Ayeni , gave the assurance that the Sallah festivities would be hitch-free and stressed that his men were prepared to secure residents from any attack.
Ayeni, however, advised members of the public to be security conscious and report any suspicious movement to the Force.
Meanwhile, the Plateau Government has condemned the violence and advised members of the public against taking laws into their hands. (NAN)
Information Commissioner, Abraham Yiljab, who spoke to NAN, cautioned people against violence, and vowed that government would deal with anyone caught in any violent act.
Special Adviser to Governor Jonah Jang on Media, Mr Ayuba Pam, who also reacted, said that government was working “very hard’’ to safeguard lives and property. (NAN)
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