STF dismisses Boko Haram fears in Jos

Special Task Force in Plateau  State has dispelled rumours of impending  attacks by violent groups, including Boko Haram in Jos  during Eid-el-kabir celebration on Friday.

Islamic sect, Boko Haram, is believed to be  behind the series of suicide bombings in the city , while  suspected Fulani herdsmen have killed a number of people after they raided  some Jos communities.

But in a statement on Thursday, the STF Media Officer, Capt. Salisu Mustapaha, said the rumours were flalse, urging  residents to go about their duties and enjoy the Muslim festival.

Mustapha said the task force was prepared for any possible threat to lives and property, warning troublemakers to steer clear of Jos and other parts of the state.

He said there would be restriction of movement around all prayer grounds  during Sallah prayers.

While restating  the ban on the use of prayer grounds in Rukuba,   Barakin Ladi, Mustapha said  worshippers would not be allowed into all contentious prayer grounds during the celebration.

He also reminded residents that the ban on motorcycles was still in force.

Meanwhile, security chiefs and stakeholders have agreed on alternative prayer grounds for Muslims in Jos during Eid-el-kabir  as part of measures to forestall a breakdown of law and order, the News Agency of Nigeria reports.

A communiqué from a pre-event meeting with stakeholders signed by the state Police Commissioner Emmanuel Ayeni, said  worshipers from Sabon Layi, Febuna, Kwanan Shagari and parts of Zinariya would either  use the  Al Muhab or Athe li-Kazaure prayer ground.

Similarly, worshipers from NEPA and Kwanan-Soja areas were advised to  pray at the  Kwanan Soja prayer ground.

The communiqué said  the Dogon-Karfe and Namuwa junctions would be closed to traffic during the Sallah prayer,  urging  the state government to hasten plans to provide new prayer grounds for  areas still restricted.

They also agreed that leaders of crisis-prone communities would be held liable for any breach of the law in their domains, while inhabitants of such communities were also asked to remain alert and report any strange movement to the security agents.