Break any law during Sallah and be crushed - Police

Police in Plateau State have warned that lawlessness will not be tolerated during Sallah in Jos.

Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr. Emmanuel Ayeni, stated this at a meeting with stakeholders in Jos on Tuesday, adding that, the police were prepared to arrest any person or group of persons planning to foment trouble during the festive period (Thursday and Friday).

He also warned worshipers to steer clear of the Rukuba Road and Polo Field prayer grounds during the period, saying they are still under ban.

He further urged religious leaders and parents to caution their followers and children against violence.

No fewer than 10 people were killed and several cars burnt when some members of the Izalla Muslim group clashed with their Christian counterparts at the Rukuba Prayer Ground last year.

Ayeni said, “You the leaders are to educate your children, the security agencies will not tolerate any act of lawlessness. If as a leader or parent you cannot control your children, it means you have failed in your responsibility. We have done our homework, we are not appealing to you out of fear but we want to carry everybody along, and we are not talking out of fear. Any youth that wants to test the will of the security agencies should come out and foment trouble.”

He also urged Muslims to avoid any unauthorised routes and not carry weapons to prayer grounds.

Ayeni said all worshippers would be thoroughly searched to ensure that only genuine ones are allowed into prayer ground