Plateau Imposes Curfew
From Madu Onuorah, Abuja and Isa Abdulsalami, Jos
JOS, the Plateau State capital, yesterday receded into its not-too-pleasant recent past, as an orgy of violence swept across the tin city over the results of the local government elections held on Thursday.
And when the dust settled, no fewer than 50 people were feared dead and scores wounded. They included two Brigadiers-General who were caught in the thick of the riot. Houses, churches and mosques had their doses of the violence as they were reduced to rubbles.
Reuters quoted Red Cross personnel that no fewer than 20 people lost their lives in the violence. "Over 20 people died. Churches and mosques and 100 houses were burned down," a senior Red Cross official who preferred anonymity, told Reuters. He added that more than 300 people were also injured.
However, to ensure the safety of lives and property, the state government yesterday imposed a dusk to dawn curfew (6 pm - 6 am) in Jos, Bukuru and its environs.
Disturbed, President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua last night ordered the deployment of the military in Jos to contain the riots in the city. He also held meetings with defence and security agencies on how to bring calm to the city.
The Special Adviser to the President (Media and Publicity) Mr Olusegun Adeniyi told The Guardian last night that the events in Jos have left President Yar'Adua sad.
He said "relevant federal government agencies have been put on alert to offer assistance to the injured and the displaced."
Adeniyi added that "the President is on top of the situation. He has been fully briefed on phone by the Governor of Plateau State, Jonah Jang. He has also met with the relevant security chiefs after which he gave the order that the military be deployed to contain the situation".
According to sources, the crisis began when suspected members of the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) learnt that the party was leading in the council polls for Jos North Council with about 58,000 votes but that the People Democratic Party (PDP) had allegedly upturned the result in its favour.
It was alleged that it was that rumour that ignited the youths of Jos North who were ANPP supporters to go on rampage as early as 4 a.m. yesterday, vandalising everything they felt belonged to the government.
The indigenes too did not take things lightly as they also went on the offensive, burning mosques they could see.
The two injured Army chiefs are receiving treatment at the Evangel Hospital, Jos. The Bauchi State Government House's driver, Rufai Mailafia, who conveyed them, was also wounded in the process.
No fewer than five mosques and five churches were burnt down in the disturbance while many residential houses and cars were torched.
Areas mostly affected include Kasuwan Kaji, Kwararafa, Ali Kazaure, Bauchi Road, Gada Biu, Nasarawa Gwom ,Jenta Adamu, Jenta Mangoro and Mazalazi Jumma.
A source said the Plateau State Independent Electoral Commission (PLASIEC) did not help matters, especially as it took the results to a hideout, Kabong, for collation, where the youths got to know about what their party, ANPP, got which they claimed were being manipulated by PLASIEC in favour of the PDP.
But the Chief Medical Director of Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH), Dr. Ishaya Pam, confirmed only three people dead.
Also, the State Command Police Public Relations Officer, Bala Kassim, said he could only confirm one policeman killed.
Meanwhile, the Governor of Plateau State, Jonah Jang, while imposing the curfew in his broadcast, said:
"A few hours after close of election, a group of thugs took the law into their hands by attacking residences and destroying houses and property in some parts of Jos.
"The state security council met this morning and directed the police to respond accordingly.
"Unfortunately, reports got to me early this morning regarding the eruption of violence emanating from Ali Kazaure Street of Jos. I want all to note that this problem is restricted to Jos City only.
"I immediately summoned a Security Council meeting again this morning to appraise the situation. Preliminary reports indicated that the crisis was pre-planned, particularly as election results have not been announced."
He added: "Government, therefore, wishes to warn that any further disruption of the peace will be met with drastic action. The security details are under instruction to return fire- for-fire from any person/group disrupting the peace. Government will not allow a repeat of the disruption of peace witnessed in the state some years back.
"All law abiding citizens are assured that government is on top of the situation and should go about their normal lives.
"Government is, therefore, imposing a curfew in Jos, Bukuru and environs from 6 pm to 6 am. Government wishes to advise against any further attempt to test its will to maintain peace on the Plateau."
