A City in Turmoil: The Impact of Terror on Easter Celebrations in Jos
The city of Jos, the capital of Plateau State, has long been a place of cultural and religious significance. However, recent events have cast a shadow over its traditions, particularly during the Easter season. The mood in the city is one of deep sorrow and fear, as residents grapple with the aftermath of persistent terror attacks that have disrupted their lives and stripped them of the joy they once found in spiritual celebrations.
The Attack on Palm Sunday
Palm Sunday marked the beginning of the Easter celebrations, a time when many Christians in Jos looked forward to commemorating Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem. However, this year’s observance was marred by violence. Terrorists struck in the Angwan Rukuba area of Jos North Local Government Area, turning what should have been a day of reflection and hope into chaos. As people marched through the streets carrying palm branches, the attack began, sending shockwaves through the community.
Residents were caught off guard, and panic ensued. People ran in all directions, seeking safety as gunfire echoed through the air. Businesses were hastily closed, and some owners abandoned their shops in their haste to escape. The attackers carried out their rampage for about 40 minutes, leaving behind a trail of destruction and fear. In the end, 29 lives were lost, and the city was plunged into disarray.
Aftermath and Government Response
In the wake of the attack, both the state government and security agencies struggled to contain the situation. A curfew was imposed in the affected areas, and additional troops were deployed to restore order. However, the incident has highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by the region, where communities have lived under the constant threat of violence for years.
Prior to the Palm Sunday attack, several local government areas had already been under siege, with some communities overrun by terrorists. This has left residents in a state of uncertainty, living with the fear that an attack could occur at any time. The recent violence has reopened old wounds, deepening existing divisions and creating new barriers between different faiths and ethnic groups.
A Pattern of Violence During Festive Periods
The attack on Palm Sunday is not an isolated incident. Throughout the year, festive periods such as Sallah, Christmas, and New Year have often been marked by fear and insecurity. Security agencies frequently restrict movement during these times, as hoodlums take advantage of the celebrations to carry out violent acts. Motorcycles and tricycles are often banned to prevent potential threats.
For example, on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day in December 2023, terrorists attacked over twenty communities in Bokkos Local Government Area, killing around 150 people in their sleep. Similarly, in late 2025, an attack in Bum village resulted in the deaths of at least seven people. These incidents have repeatedly triggered sectarian crises, highlighting the need for stronger measures to ensure public safety.
Calls for Action and Accountability
The recent violence has sparked calls for greater accountability and action from authorities. Barrister Dalyop Solomon, National President of the Berom Youth Moulder (BYM), emphasized the long-standing fear that residents face in Plateau State. He pointed out that the presence of armed bandits and terrorists has created an environment of uncertainty, with no guarantees of safety.
Danjuma Auta, General Secretary of the Plateau State Indigenous Development Association (PIDAN), noted that attacks during festive periods have become a pattern. He criticized community leaders for harboring miscreants and urged the government to take decisive action against those responsible for the violence.
Dr. Aliyu Danbaba, a security expert, warned that the cycle of violence will continue if authorities do not treat the issue with seriousness. He called for the implementation of past reports addressing insecurity in the state, emphasizing that failure to act would only perpetuate the crisis.
The Need for Peace and Reconciliation
In response to the growing unrest, the Plateau State chapter of Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) called for a thorough and transparent investigation into the Palm Sunday attack. They emphasized the importance of justice and urged the government, community leaders, and religious stakeholders to work together toward peacebuilding and reconciliation.
As the city continues to grapple with the aftermath of the attack, the atmosphere remains tense. Fear and uncertainty dominate public life, with residents cautious about their movements. The much-anticipated Easter celebration has been overshadowed by the reality of violence, leaving many to wonder if true peace will ever return to Jos.
