Meetings banned in troubled state

All political, cultural and religious meetings have been banned in central Nigeria's Plateau State by a security forces committee set up following ethno-religious clashes in the state capital, Jos, 'The Daily Trust' newspaper in Abuja reported. "In view of the prevailing situation on the ground in Plateau State (of which Jos is the capital), the Joint Security Forces hereby ban all cultural, social, political and religious meetings until further notice," according to an official statement issued on Monday and quoted by the newspaper. The statement, titled 'Ban on public meetings, rallies and procession in Plateau State', also warned that "any person or group of persons who violate the order will be dealt with accordingly". The committee said anyone wishing to hold such meetings "should apply to the appropriate authorities within 72 hours before the date of the meeting and must obtain written approval before holding" them.