Abuja Blast: Group Urges Plateau Residents To Be Alert

Jos Forum of the Switzerland-based Centre for Human Development has urged citizens of Plateau State to be at alert, following recent attack at Nyanya, Abuja where over 70 lives were lost.

It noted that attacks could have a spill over effect in Plateau and warned citizens to be wary and avoid crowded places.

The organisation with headquarters in Geneva and African regional office in Nairobi, Kenya, has been conducting inter-communal dialogue and conflict mediation among all the ethnic nationalities in Plateau, especially in Jos North, Jos South, Barakin Ladi and Riyom local government areas where Fulani herdsmen have ravaged ethnic communities.

Meanwhile, the Special Task Force (STF) on Jos crisis said it has tightened security in Plateau and Bauchi States, saying it will increase temporary checkpoints in both states  throughout the festive period.

In a statement issued by its spokesman, Captain Ikedichi Iweha  the task force stressed that there would be intensified vehicular / Tricycle search at all checkpoints across the states.

It also said: “Use of fireworks, bangers, and burning of tyres in the states during the festive period would not be tolerated.

“Religious leaders are enjoined to sensitize their adherents and followers , particularly the youths not to engage in acts that would disrupt the peace that is currently been enjoyed ”

The statement further warned that any individual or group of persons who caused trouble in the state “have made themselves enemies of the state and would be treated as such.”