Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has issued a ban on the practice of churches and mosques obstructing roads during worship services.
The governor has further mandated all worship centers to present their building approvals issued by the Jos Metropolitan Development Board or face potential penalties.
Since 2014, road blockades by churches and mosques have been a recurring issue in Jos, particularly during times when worship centers were targeted by terrorist activities involving explosives.
Despite the cessation of bomb attacks in Jos, both churches and mosques have continued to obstruct roads during their worship schedules, notably on Sundays and Fridays, creating inconvenience for motorists and other road users.
In separate communications addressed to the state Chairpersons of the Christian Association of Nigeria and Jama’atu Nasril Islam, the government has emphasized that the prohibition of road blockades aligns with the directives outlined in Executive Order 003, recently endorsed by Mutfwang.
One of the notices, dated June 13, 2024, and endorsed by the general manager of JMDB, Hart Bankat, conveyed, “In observance of the Executive Order 003 by the Governor of Plateau State, Barrister Caleb Mutfwang, enacted on March 1, 2024, to regulate Building/Vehicular traffic, the ban on access road blockades has been enacted. We advise all worship centers to designate suitable parking areas off the main roads for their attendees.
“All worship centers must furnish building approvals issued by the JMDB to avoid penalties. The government appeals to religious leaders to guide their followers in upholding the laws and fostering compliance.”
Upon inquiry, the state Chairperson of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Rev. Polycarp Lubo, acknowledged receipt of the directive and expressed agreement with the government’s stance.
