Operatives of the Plateau State Police Command have arrested two hoodlums in the Jos North Local Government Area of the state.
The arrest of the hoodlums on Monday came amidst the imposition of a 24-hour curfew in Jos and Bukuru metropolis by the state government following an attempt by some persons to breach the peace in the state capital under the guise of #EndBadGovernance in Nigeria protests.
It was learnt that the hoodlums were trying to vandalise and loot shops located around the C Division in Jos when the operatives swooped on them and arrested two persons while others fled the scene
The command’s spokesman, Alabo Alfred confirmed the development to The PUNCH in Jos on Monday.
Alabo said that those arrested will be investigated and prosecuted in line with extant laws
The PPRO said, “Our duty is to enforce the imposition of the curfew and that is what we are doing. The state is calm.
“Two persons were arrested around C Division who attempted vandalising property of innocent Nigerians. They will be investigated and duly prosecuted ”
The PPRO urged the people of the state to be vigilant and remain law abiding as they observe the curfew by the government
“We want the people of the state to continue to be peaceful and support the security agents and state government in their efforts to maintain the prevailing peace in the state,” the PPRO added.
Protesters vacate Jos street
Meanwhile, the Old Airport junction in Jos, the Plateau state capital was on Monday deserted by protesters
The area had served as a convergent point since the #EndBadGovernance in Nigeria protest began last Thursday in the state.
When our correspondent visited the area on Monday, it was empty and devoid of any protesters at the time of filing this report.
Meanwhile, protesters in Plateau state have vowed to continue with their protests after the 24-hour curfew imposed by the state Government.
Addressing the protesters in a statement on Monday, the leader of the EndBadGovernance in Nigeria protest in the state, Isa Elbuba, criticised the state government for imposition of the curfew saying that the action was meant to silence the voice of suffering Nigerians.
The cleric who is also the Convener of the Initiative for a Better and Brighter Nigeria highlighted the peaceful nature of the protests in the state since it began last Thursday, emphasising the unprecedented unity between Christians and Muslims during the demonstrations
I declare to you, Nigerians, we are amazed and so disappointed in the declaration by the state government of the curfew. There is nothing that warrants that. Plateau State has been adjudged as hosting the most peaceful protest all over the world. History has been made here,” El-Buba said.
(PUNCH)