Mark Mourns Senator Datong As Jang Imposes Curfew
SAN FRANCISCO, JULY 08, (THEWILL) – President of the Senate, David Mark on Sunday evening opened the stream of condolences expected to accompany the death of the member representing Plateau North constituency in the National Assembly, Senator Gyang Datong.
Datong died on Sunday afternoon from a heart attack he suffered after gunmen fired shots at people who had gathered for the mass burial of at least 37 villagers who were killed on Saturday in an attack suspected to have been masterminded by Fulani herdsmen.
The member representing Barkin Ladi at the Plateau State House of Assembly, Hon Gyang Fulani, also died at the location from gunshot wounds; while another legislator, Simon Mwatkon, representing Barkin Ladi/Riyom constituency, is in critical condition at an undisclosed hospital, after sustaining devastating bullet injuries.
“The deceased was a patriotic parliamentarian, quintessential gentleman and committed nationalist, who was killed in active service to his fatherland,” Mark said in a statement released by his special adviser (media), Kola Ologbondiyan.
He urged government to work harder to curtail insecurity in the country. “The incessant killings of innocent Nigerians must be stopped. Government, at levels, and security operatives must rise up to halt the ongoing senseless killings in the country,” he said, adding that Datong’s death was a personal loss.
“We must do everything within the ambit of our laws to ensure that this type of murderous acts is stopped. As a nation, we must just rise against those who are determined to return us to a state of nature where life had little or no value.”
Meanwhile, in a quick reaction to the development, the Plateau State government has imposed a curfew in certain parts of the state.
“In view of the prevailing security situation, the governor of Plateau State, Dr. Jonah Jang, is hereby imposing a curfew in the following areas: Jos North, Jos South, Barkin Ladi and Riyom LGAs with immediate effect,” confirmed a statement by Yiljap Abraham, commissioner for information.
It added that the curfew will start from 7.30pm on Sunday to 7.00am on Monday, and continue from 6pm on Monday to 7am on Tuesday, until further notice.