PLATEAU: JEBU BASSA ATTACKS: WHAT GOV. LALONG MUST KNOW OF HIS DIRECTIVES, AND THE TENSION IN JEBU/JOS

By: Valentine Adese (JP),

Three days after the attacks and killings in Jebu Bassa, in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State, have calmed down and the indigenous residents have began to count their losses, while others are packing their properties to safe places, parts of Jos, the state capital was visited with protest over the killings in Bassa.

REALITY, gathered that, the popular Polo Club junction axis, through Gada Biyu was tense with gunshots through yesterday night, thereby forcing commuters and other road users to find alternative routes to their destinations.

Meanwhile, REALITY also gathered that security operatives have continued their operations to dominate the areas affected by recent attacks in Bassa and Riyom LGAs with a view to restoring normalcy and arresting perpetrators as directed by Governor Simon Lalong, after a recent emergency Security Council meeting.

What investigation of REALITY reveals is that Governor Lalong may not be aware that his directives are not been obeyed as there seem to be no boot on ground in Jebu Bassa. REALITY can authoritatively state.

REALITY Newspaper Correspondent was at Jebu Bassa yesterday to have an eye witness report of the situation on ground.

The only security presence yesterday in Jebu, witnessed by REALITY was the parade and show of force by the security on the express.

Facts are, the indigenous residents are packing from Jebu Miango and moving to other safe areas, as their homes are already burnt by the invaders. The number of properties seen burnt are over 200, which includes the house of a former member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Lumumba Dah Adeh, and that of Evang. Engr. Monday Garba, a former Electrical Engineer with JUTH.

Engr. Monday’s house was burnt and gun shots were used to forcefully open some doors.

Monday who spoke to REALITY said the whole things and the house destroyed are his life efforts and the memory of his past.

He lamented over the lack of security operatives in the area despite been close to the Army Barracks and the shooting from the invaders, lasting over 8 hours.

REALITY was told that, that same Hon. Lumumba’s house was in the past used as a mini barrack by Security operative before a conflict arouse among them.

REALITY also discovered that, Binta/TEM Orphanage was burnt by the invaders and that, the over 150 children in the Orphanage were rescued owing to expedient decision of the State Coordinator of Orphanage Homes in Nigeria, Mr. Daniel Asama and the Coordinator of TEM, Mr. Choji Joshua.

However, the Plateau State Government in a Press Statement signed by, Dr. Makut Simon Macham, the Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State, dated, 3rd August 2021, disclosed that Jos, the capital city of Plateau State is calm and peaceful as there is no cause for alarm.

Stating that, “The breach of peace reported around Gada Biyu, Jos North LGA has been put under control following swift response by security agencies.

“The security personnel responded to the incident where some youths reportedly obstructed traffic and set ablaze two trucks on the highway.

“The intervention of the security personnel immediately brought the situation under control as the youths were dispersed and the road cleared, thereby restoring traffic flow

READ THE FULL PRESS TEXT BELOW:

JOS IS CALM, NO CAUSE FOR ALARM AS NORMALCY IS RESTORED TO GADA BIYU

Jos, the capital city of Plateau State is calm and peaceful as there is no cause for alarm. The breach of peace reported around Gada Biyu, Jos North LGA has been put under control following swift response by security agencies.

The security personnel responded to the incident where some youths reportedly obstructed traffic and set ablaze two trucks on the highway.

The intervention of the security personnel immediately brought the situation under control as the youths were dispersed and the road cleared, thereby restoring traffic flow.

With the return of normalcy around Gada Biyu and environs, the Government is urging citizens to avoid any act that could lead to the breakdown of law and order.

Meanwhile, security forces have continued their operations to dominate areas affected by recent attacks in Bassa and Riyom LGAs with a view to restoring normalcy and arresting perpetrators as directed by Governor Simon Lalong after an emergency Security Council Meeting.

Dr. Makut Simon Macham

Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.

3rd August 2021.