Plateau killings: Lalong orders arrest of persons sharing fake messages
The Plateau State Governor, Simon Bako Lalong, has directed security personnel to arrest those sharing fake messages that can ignite crisis in the state.
Lalong who gave the directive on Tuesday night at a peace and emergency stakeholders’ meeting held at government house in Jos said anyone arrested would be made to face the law.
The meeting was organized in the wake of Saturday’s attack on Fulani travellers who were on their way back to Ondo and Ekiti States after attending a religious event in Bauchi.
A total of 27 of the travellers were confirmed killed and many injured.
“I wish to draw our attention to the misuse of the social media by some persons who take joy in sharing fake and unsubstantiated videos and messages which further fuel passions leading to unrest. I have directed the security agencies to go after such persons and ensure they face the law for incitement and hate speech’’, the governor said.
He said he would ensure that people live together irrespective of their backgrounds, adding that only justice and fairness could guarantee peace.
Meanwhile, the state police command yesterday said the curfew earlier imposed by the governor on Jos North, Bassa and Jos South remained in force.
The Commissioner of Information, Dan Manjang, said this following rumour making the round that the curfew had been lifted.
“Members of the public are to note that the curfew earlier imposed on Jos North, Jos South and Bassa local government areas still remains in place’’, Manjang said.