Plateau State government has banned churches and mosques from blocking roads during worship.
The government also demanded all worship centres to provide approvals of their worship places issued by the Jos Metropolitan Development Board (JMDB) or face penalties.
Blocking of roads by churches and mosques is a common feature in the state, especially, in Jos the state capital during the deadly bombings by Boko Haram terrorists.
The bloody religious crisis in Jos city in 2001 was said to have been caused by the blocking of a major access road in Anguwan Russia area of the city by one of the religious groups.
The blocking of roads by Muslims and Christians during their Friday and Sunday worships has continued to continued unabatedly, causing serious hitches to motorists and other road users.
In separate letters addressed to the state leaders of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), the state government said the decision to ban the road blockades is part of the implementation of Executive Order 003 which was recently signed by the governor.
The letters dated June 13, 2024, and signed by the general manager of JMDB, Hart Bankat, asked the two religious groups to provide appropriate parking spaces off the main roads during worship.
“Following the Executive Order 003 of the Governor of Plateau state Barrister Caleb Mutfwang signed on the 1st of March 2024 for the control of Building/Vehicular traffic, I convey the ban of blockage of access roads and advise that all worship centres should provide appropriate parking spaces off the main roads during worship for their worshippers”, the letter reads.
“All Worship centres should provide building approvals issued by the JMDB to avoid penalties.
“The government solicits with the spiritual leaders to help advise their members to be law-abiding citizens to encourage them to comply with the laid down laws.”
Chairman of CAN, Rev. Polycarp Lubo, confirmed receiving the letter, saying CAN has no problem with the government directive.
