by Christiana Gokyo, Jos
The Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, has condemned in very strong terms, the attack on the Task Force responsible for the enforcement of the Executive Order 003 by some roadside marketers in Bukuru.
Our correspondent reports that, the JMDB Tasks Force were attack by the roadside marketers Bukuru, in Jos South Local Government Area of the State, at about 2:51pm on Monday, while clearing the street.
The Task Force is mandated to regulate buildings and vehicular traffic within the Greater Jos Master Plan. The sad incident occurred where some lawless individuals brazenly assaulted members of the Joint Task Force.
In his reaction, Governor Mutfwang expressed deep regret over the shameful actions of these miscreants, who not only targeted the Task Force but also endangered the lives of traders.
He emphasized that the market was designated by the government to accommodate lawful business activities with an appeal to street vendors to relocate accordingly.
He noted that, “The reckless behavior of the attackers, who wielded dangerous weapons to inflict harm and loot shops, resulted in the destruction of vehicles owned by innocent traders. Tragically, one of the suspects fatally shot his accomplice during the chaos.”
The governor condemned the incident as entirely avoidable, questioning the motives of those who flouted Executive Order 003 and resorted to violence against law-abiding citizens.
He called on security agencies to swiftly apprehend all perpetrators and ensure that they face justice without delay, and reiterated the State Government’s unwavering resolve to confront troublemakers decisively.
Highlighting the broader purpose of Executive Order 003, Governor Mutfwang clarified that its intent is to safeguard Jos from deterioration into a slum and a haven for criminal activities.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to collaborating with law-abiding citizens across all divides to foster peace and unity in the state.
Governor Mutfwang appealed to religious and community leaders in the affected area to guide their followers against unlawful conducts and implement measures to thwart criminal elements, who may exploit the situation, to cause disorder.
The governor expressed appreciation to all security agencies for their dedication, and urged them to intensify efforts to restore calm amidst the current challenges, and sympathized with members of the public whose vehicles and other properties were vandalized as a result of the incident.
In a concert tone, the Senator representing Plateau Northern Senatorial District, Sen Pam Mwadkwon Dachungyang, has equally expressed sadness over the resort to violence by some traders to prevent the Plateau State Task Force on “Regulating Buildings and Vehicular Traffic” within the Greater Jos Master Plan from carrying out its assigned responsibility.
He was reacting on the attack on the Task Force when he noted that, “The Task Force has been doing a commendable job of clearing illegal structures in the last few weeks,” and wondered why the exercise will turn violent in Bukuru where miscreants were seen carrying dangerous weapons and burning innocent people’s property.
Senator Dachungyang, therefore, callsed on law enforcement agencies to arrest and deal decisively with all those connected to the incident, saying, “A situation where citizens pick up arms to assault security personnel on legitimate duty should not be tolerated.”
He also called on community leaders, religious leaders and other stakeholders, especially within the Bukuru community, to reign in their youths and ensure that they cooperate with government to clean up the city for the good of all.