Curfew: Police Arrest Two Over Attempted Looting in Plateau

Swift operation amidst a 24-hour curfew, operatives of the Plateau State Police Command arrested two individuals in the Jos North Local Government Area on Monday. The arrests followed attempts to breach peace in the state capital, ostensibly under the guise of the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protests.

According to reports, the suspects were caught trying to vandalize and loot shops around the C Division in Jos. The police intervened, arresting two individuals while others managed to escape.

The spokesman for the Plateau State Police Command, Alabo Alfred, confirmed the incident to The PUNCH. He stated, “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 for attempting to vandalize property of innocent Nigerians. They will be investigated and duly prosecuted.”

Alabo urged residents to remain vigilant and law-abiding as the curfew remains in effect. “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,” he added.

Protesters Vacate Jos Streets
The Old Airport Junction in Jos, a central point for the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protests since last Thursday, was deserted on Monday. When our correspondent visited the area, it was devoid of protesters.

However, the protest leaders in Plateau State have vowed to continue their demonstrations after the curfew is lifted. Isa El-Buba, leader of the protest in the state and convener of the Initiative for a Better and Brighter Nigeria, criticized the government’s curfew imposition, claiming it was an attempt to silence the voices of suffering Nigerians.

El-Buba highlighted the peaceful nature of the protests, which had seen unprecedented unity between Christians and Muslims. He said, “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.”

Unity and Solidarity Among Protesters
El-Buba recounted how Christian protesters shielded their Muslim counterparts during prayers, and vice versa, throughout the protests. “Thousands of Muslims on the day of the protest, the first day, the second day, the third day, have been shielded by their Christian brothers and sisters. And today, Sunday, the massive turnout of Christians in their thousands were shielded by Muslims in their thousands. It has never happened,” he added.

Dismissing an alleged incident at a restaurant that reportedly led to the curfew as a minor issue, El-Buba insisted that the government’s response was unjustified. He asserted that the curfew was an attempt to demoralize and silence the young people driving the protests but emphasized that their mission to “take back the soul of their nation” would continue.

“I want to say this at this particular moment, that the soul and the voice of the Nigerian people can never be silenced. I want you to remain peaceful and law-abiding. I want you to obey the rules of the game and immediately after the curfew is lifted, we shall resume the protest,” El-Buba declared, urging protesters to stay focused and avoid any confrontation with law enforcement.