Jos — The Plateau State government has banned the blocking of roads during worship by various religious bodies and the use of loud speakers for worship purposes in residential buildings.

Governor Joshua Dariye who announced these and other measures in a broadcast to the people, said they were meant to forestall any further breach of the peace in the state.

He explained that the blocking of major streets during worship has become a case of regular friction and directed adherents of various religions to "restrict their worship to officially designated places of worship."

Other measures announced by the governor include a ban on public preaching using loud speakers at markets, motor parks and other public areas until further notice. The proliferation of worship places at the Jos Main Market was also reviewed with a government decision that only one Mosque and one church will be allowed.

Chief Dariye who disclosed that a Judicial Commission of Inquiry into the crisis will be constituted soon, added that government has decided to relocate the Yan Shanu Cattle Market in Nasarawa Gwong to decongest the area and ensure free traffic flow.

"Fellow citizens, these measures have been taken in good faith and they affect all religious organisations. they have been taken to ensure that lasting peace is permanently restored to Plateau State.

"All security agencies have been directed to monitor and enforce these measures. Anyone or group that violates these measures will be dealt with," he stressed.

Chief Dariye thanked the people for their cooperation so far on efforts to restore normalcy to the state, urging everyone to bury the hatchet since no society can thrive in an atmosphere of rancour and violence.

According to him, "the sad events of the past two weeks have shown us that we need to strengthen our resolve to live together as one people. Let us be resolute in defending the peace of our dear state. We cannot afford to let our children and future generations down."

President Olusegun Obasanjo had while addressing community and religious leaders while on a sympathy visit to the state stressed the need to devise strategies to stop practices such as the mounting of loud speakers for religious purposes in residential areas.

He stated that such practices generated tension, adding that nobody has the right to disturb the peace of others in the name of practicing his or her religion.