The chairman of Sardauna Local Government Council in Taraba State, Mohammed J. Umar, has declared a 24-hour curfew in Mbamnga and two neighbouring communities following an outbreak of communal unrest.

The curfew, which, according to the chairman, takes immediate effect, covers Mbamnga, Mbara and Geroji communities in the local government area.

In a statement issued on Wednesday by the chairman’s Senior Special Assistant on Media and Communication, Marvelous Heli, he said the measure was aimed at restoring calm and preventing further escalation of the unrest.

Umar assured residents that the situation was under control, adding that security operatives had been deployed to the affected communities to maintain law and order and protect lives and property.

He directed all security agencies to strictly enforce the curfew, authorising them to arrest anyone found violating the directive.

The chairman also appealed to traditional and community leaders to support the measure by mobilising residents to embrace peace, exercise restraint and comply with the curfew.

Residents of the affected communities were advised to remain indoors throughout the curfew period and avoid actions capable of provoking further unrest.

The council further urged residents to promptly report suspicious activities to security operatives, warning that anyone found engaging in acts capable of disturbing the peace would face the law.

The chairman reiterated the commitment of the Sardauna council to protecting the lives and property of residents and maintaining peace, stability and unity across the area.