By James Moses (9News Nigeria -Jos)
Plateau State Governor Barrister Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, has condemned in very strong terms, the attack on the Task Force responsible for enforcing Executive Order 003 by some criminal elements.
The Task Force is mandated to regulate buildings and vehicular traffic within the Greater Jos Master Plan.
The sad incident occurred on Monday at the Bukuru Market in Jos South Local Government Area, where lawless individuals brazenly assaulted members of the the joint Task Force.
Governor Mutfwang in a statement by his Director of Press and Public Affairs, Gyang Bere, expressed deep regret over the shameful actions of these miscreants, who do not only targeted the Task Force but also endangered the lives of traders.
He emphasised that the market was designated by the government to accommodate lawful business activities with an appeal to street vendors to relocate accordingly.
The Governor lamented the reckless behaviour of the attackers, who wielded dangerous weapons to inflict harm and loot shops, resulting in the destruction of vehicles owned by innocent traders.
Tragically, one of the suspects fatally shot his accomplice during the chaos.
Mutfwang condemned the incident as entirely avoidable, questioning the motives of those who flouted Executive Order 003 and resulted 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 trouble makers decisively.
Highlighting the broader purpose of Executive Order 003, Governor Mutfwang clarified that its intents is to safeguard Jos from deterioration into a slum and a haven for criminal activities.
He affirmed his administration’s commitment to collaborating with the law abiding citizens across all divides to foster peace and unity in the State.
He appealed to religious and commuinity 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.
Governor Mutfwang expressed appreciation to all the Security agencies for their dedication and urged them to intensify efforts to restore calm amidst the current challenges and also sympathized with members of the public whose vehicles and other properties were vandalized as a result of the incident.
-9News Nigeria.
