From Jude Dangwam, Jos

The Special Task Force, code named Operation Safe Haven (OPSH), saddled with the maintenance of peace on the Plateau State, part of Bauchi and Southern Kaduna, has warned against a planned peaceful protest by Muslim youths today August 18, 2021 in Jos city.

The Command said any body found acting contrary to the law will be dealt with as the Special Force is sending a very strong warning to those planning the demonstration and the originator of the message.

The STF in a press statement signed by the Military Information Officer, Major Ishaku Gaji Takwa and made available to Journalists yesterday in Jos the Plateau State capital said it will not tolerate any action that will further threaten the relative calmed already recorded from the explosion of the recent violence.

“The attention of Operation SAFE HAVEN (OPSH) has been drawn to a message circulating on social media calling on Muslim youths to embark on peaceful protest slated for tomorrow, Wednesday 18 August 2021.

“The message purportedly stated that the demonstration is expected to commence from Massallacin Jumaa Yan Dankali to Plateau State House of Assembly Complex.

“While, OPSH will not want to join issues with the organizers of the planned protest, it is instructive to state that in view of the fragile nature of peace on the Plateau this protest is unnecessary and uncalled for,” the statement read.

The Command said it is fully aware that Muslim clerics and leaders have distanced itself from the planned message circulated and not in support of the peaceful demonstration. But however made it’s stand “OPSH is therefore sending a strong warning to those planning this demonstration (if it is true) and the originator of the message to have a rethink.

“The 24 hours curfew imposed by His Excellency the Executive Governor of Plateau State Rt. Hon Simon Bako Lalong on Jos North local government and 12 hour curfew on Jos South and Bassa Local government area is still in place and we are fully deployed to ensure its enforcement.

“OPSH will not allow any body or group to breach the fragile peace in Jos metropolis. Consequently any body found acting contrary to the law will be dealt with” calling on citizens of the state to give peace a chance.

Meanwhile, the Plateau State chapter of the Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), has debunked report of a purported planned protest match by faceless individuals making around on various social media platforms with the Jos Central Mosque as their take off point.

The religious body in a press statement signed by its Director of ICT and Non Governmental Organizations (NGO) Matters, Barrister Lawal Ishaq and made available to newsmen yesterday in Jos, said JNI under the leadership of His Royal Highness the Emir of Wase Dr. Muhammad Sambo Abdullahi has not given permission to any individuals or groups to carry out activities within the premises of the Mosque or any way across the state.

“It has come to the attention of JNI Plateau State under the leadership of His Royal Highness, the Emir of Wase, Dr Muhammad Sambo Abdullahi, that some faceless individuals are announcing a purported protest match with the Jos Central Mosque as the take off point.

“The messages which have gone virile on social media, notably the WhatsApp is not true. JNI as the custodian of the Jos Central Mosque has not given permission to any individual or groups to carry out any form of activities within its premises.”

“JNI is firmly committed to ensuring that lasting peace is restored to Jos and environs and it is therefore calling on all citizens to observe the various curfews imposed by government on Jos North, Jos South and Bassa local government areas,” the statement said.