NO fewer than 20 people were killed and over 50 vehicles burnt in Jos, capital of Plateau State, on Monday, following a clash between some Muslim youths and the natives, over the refusal of the latter to allow the Muslims access to the prayer grounds in their area.www.naijapaymentsonline.com
Prior to Monday’s clash, there had been a rumour in the state that some people were planning to disrupt the Eid-el-Fitri celebration in the state, especially in Jos, in revenge of the disruption of last year’s Christmas, which was marred by multiple bomb blasts which led to many deaths in some parts of the state capital.
Nigerian Tribune learnt that as early as 9.00 a.m., there was tension in the city as the Muslims filed out to observe the Eid-el-Fitri prayers at Rukuba road and Mista Ali area of the state capital, while men of the Special Task Force and the police positioned themselves along the route leading to the prayer ground.
It was learnt that the youth in the two affected areas, on sighting the Muslims trooping on the prayer ground in their areas, staged a protest, saying that since they could not have churches in the predominantly Muslim areas, they would not allow Muslim prayer grounds in their areas.
A source told Nigerian Tribune that the situation got out of hand when men of the STF, who shot into the air to disperse the protesting youth, with the aim of rescuing the Muslims already observing their prayers at Rukuba prayer ground, mistakenly shot some of them.
As a result of this, the STF engaged the aggrieved natives in an attempt to move the Muslims out of the vicinity, thereby leading to further commotion and causalities.
It was learnt that in the commotion that ensued, many people were hit by stray bullets while there was also a clash between the natives and the Muslims. Vehicles numbering about 50 were burnt in the process.
In the Rukuba area alone, no fewer than 12 corpses were picked from the scene with many people sustaining varying degrees of injury from either gunshots or machete cuts.
Nigerian Tribune learnt that there were pockets of killings in the Farin-Kada and Angwan Rukuba areas of the state capital. Close to eight people were killed in a barbaric manner.
Speaking with newsmen, Dr David Lass, chairman, Medical Advisory Committee, Bingham University Teaching Hospital, Jos, said two dead people were brought to the hospital while 35 others were in critical condition as a result of gunshots.
Meanwhile, the Plateau State government has appealed for calm and expressed concern over the fresh hostilities and implored the people of the state to shun any act that could retard the peace in the state.
Addressing newsmen in Jos, the state commissioner for Information, Pastor Abraham Yiljap, said the state government was on top of the situation and ordered all hospitals to treat all those who sustained injuries.
It will be recalled that the Plateau State police command, at the weekend alerted the people of the state, especially the residents of Jos, to the plan by some people to foment trouble during the Sallah celebration.
The command said vehicles would not be allowed to be parked just anywhere throughout the festive period, while vehicles illegally parked would be impounded.
According to a statement issued by the state police command and signed by the state commissioner of Police, Mr Emmanuel Ayeni, the command said some major roads in Jos would be blocked while certain routes had been designated for passage on Sallah day.
The statement pointed out that roads to be blocked included Abattoir Road, as people wishing to take that route should take Dogon Karfe through old airport junction instead.
Those in the metropolis heading for the prayer ground would be expected to take Jankwano to Polo and Rukuba Road, adding that reckless driving and reckless riding of motorcycles as well as overloading of vehicles were banned and warned against removal and the use of motorcycle silencers to cause mayhem.
The statement said any person found carrying offensive weapons, such as guns, cutlasses, knives or daggers would be arrested and prosecuted.
The use of inciting and abusive language during preaching by religious leaders was also prohibited during the festive period. and the police warned that such, if discovered, would be treated as a criminal offence. Religious leaders were urged to warn their members to comply with the directive.
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