Hoodlums Were Imported To Disrupt Peaceful Protest In Jos – Gov Mutfwang

The Governor of Plateau State, Caleb Mutfwang, has alleged that hoodlums were imported to disrupt peaceful protests in Jos.

Caleb Mutfwang said the state government had to impose a curfew on Jos and Buruku metropolis because of the activities of criminals who infiltrated the peaceful protest. He said to avoid further destruction and looting of citizens’ hard-earned belongings.

Governor Mutfwang said this on Tuesday during a statewide broadcast, which he uploaded on X handle. He noted that protest remained a constitutional right of the citizens. He, however, appealed to the citizens of Plateau State to give dialogue a chance. He explained that if the #EndBadGovernanceinNigeria protest is allowed to continue, hoodlums would continue to hijack it to inflict pain on hard-working citizens.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governor said the activities of hoodlums in the morning and afternoon of Monday confirmed that his administration’s action of imposing curfew was the right decision.

Governor Mutfwang said, “The more we continue with the protest the more the likelihood of being hijacked by sponsored criminals and hoodlums like we began to notice from Sunday evening based on the intelligence at our disposal. We know the lawful protests have been infiltrated by criminals who were waiting for opportunity to loot shops, attack and rob innocent citizens of their hard-earned belongings.

“We even saw the display of foreign flags by some of these criminally minded intruders. So as a responsible government, we had to take proactive steps to prevent further acts of criminality. Thus the 24 hours curfew we imposed on Jos/Bukuru metropolis from Sunday midnight.

“The resistance by hoodlums in some parts of Jos North area from Monday morning to late afternoon proves our action of imposing the curfew is justified.

“Credible sources have revealed that because of the peace that Plateau is enjoying, merchants of violence invited hoodlums from neighbouring states to disrupt the peace in Jos. So we appeal to you to stay further protests, so you we can dialogue with your leaders.“