Police Use Teargas On 16 PDP Lawmakers, Gov. Muftwang Impose A 24-Hour Curfew.

The 16 members of the Peoples Democratic Party of the Plateau State House of Assembly who were dismissed by the Court of Appeal were subjected to tear gas by armed police officers.

The incident happened on Tuesday morning as the lawmakers and their supporters arrived at the Rayfield Old Government House in Jos in preparation for the start of plenary.

The policemen and other security operatives took over the premises of the Government House and prevented the sacked lawmakers from going into the chambers of the House of Assembly, but the lawmakers had vowed not to vacate the premises.

Meanwhile, Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State, has declared a 24-hour curfew on the Mangu Local Government Area of the state with immediate effect.

The development was confirmed in a statement issued on Tuesday by the governor’s Director of Press and Public Affairs, Gyang Bere.

He said the decision followed the deteriorating security situation in the area.

The statement read in the part, “Governor Mutfwang took the decision after consultations with the relevant security agencies.

“He stated that only persons on essential duties are allowed to move within the local government area until further notice.

“He urged all citizens, especially residents of Mangu Local Government Area, to comply with the directive and assist the security personnel by providing reliable information to restore peace and order in the area.

“He lamented that some people are still determined to create an atmosphere of insecurity in the state, despite the government’s efforts to end the activities of terrorist elements.

In addition to offering his condolences to the families of the deceased and injured, he reassured them that the government will not give up on establishing enduring peace in the state.

“He said that as soon as the security situation improves, the curfew will be reviewed.”