The Plateau State government has decided to further ease the 24-hour curfew that was imposed on the Jos-Bukuru metropolis after violent protests rocked the area. The decision to relax the curfew follows an assessment by security agencies that the situation in the region has significantly improved, allowing for a return to more normal daily activities.

Governor Caleb Mutfwang, through his spokesperson Gyang Bere, announced the updated curfew hours in a statement. Starting Sunday, residents of the Jos-Bukuru area will now be permitted to move freely from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. each day. This adjustment represents a step back from the stricter 24-hour lockdown that had been in place and is aimed at allowing law-abiding citizens to resume their economic activities while still maintaining public order.

The curfew was initially imposed as a direct response to the looting and vandalism that erupted during what began as peaceful protests against bad governance. The protests, which formed part of the larger national “End Bad Governance” movement, were hijacked by miscreants who used the unrest as an opportunity to engage in criminal activities. These acts of violence, particularly in the Jos North Local Government Area, led to the government’s decision to impose a strict curfew to restore order.

Gyang Bere, the Director of Press and Public Affairs for Governor Mutfwang, emphasized that the relaxation of the curfew was made possible due to the efforts of security forces in stabilizing the situation. The security agencies, after thorough monitoring, advised the governor that the security situation had sufficiently improved to justify easing the restrictions. The governor, in consultation with these agencies, authorized the relaxation to balance the need for security with the economic needs of the residents.

In his statement, Bere also conveyed the governor’s gratitude to the security forces for their diligent work in enforcing the curfew, which helped prevent further escalation of violence. The governor assured the public that the situation would continue to be monitored closely and that the government remains committed to adjusting the curfew as necessary based on ongoing assessments of security in the area.

Governor Mutfwang also used the opportunity to call on residents of the Jos-Bukuru metropolis to cooperate with the security personnel still stationed in the area. He urged them to report any suspicious activities to the authorities to ensure that the peace currently being enjoyed is maintained. This call for vigilance highlights the government’s intent to prevent any resurgence of violence and to protect the community from further disruptions.