Survivors of Jos Carnage Share Horrifying Details of Gunmen’s Attack
After years of relative peace, Jos, the capital of Plateau State, has once again become the center of attention for a tragic and violent incident. The city, which had previously been the epicenter of internal conflicts, had enjoyed a period of calm over the past 12 years. However, this tranquility was abruptly shattered on Sunday when a group of armed attackers launched a brutal assault on the Angwan Rukuba neighborhood.
The attack occurred at approximately 8:45 p.m., during a time when residents were engaged in their usual evening activities. As gunfire erupted from multiple directions, panic spread quickly among the community. The attackers, some clad in military-style clothing and others in traditional caftans, arrived on motorcycles and a Sharon bus, carrying advanced weapons and cutlasses. In just 40 minutes, they managed to kill 28 people and injure many others before fleeing the scene without resistance.
Accounts from Victims and Survivors
In the aftermath of the attack, the area was left in a state of devastation. Many victims were found lying in pools of blood, while others had already succumbed to their injuries. Survivors shared their harrowing experiences of the event.
Lami Musa, a shop owner near the scene, described how the violence began immediately upon the attackers’ arrival. “I was in my shop when I heard gunshots. I peeped outside and had to flee because of the intense shooting. I hurriedly shut my shop and ran toward the local police station, where I took refuge,” she said.
Andrew Yilmen, who is currently receiving treatment at the Jos University Teaching Hospital, recounted how he was shot while trying to escape. “I was waiting for a bike at Angwan Rukuba junction when the gunmen struck and began shooting. I was gunned down while running with others toward the sleepy community of Gari Ya Waye. I later found myself in this hospital,” he explained.
Another victim, Longwan Yilmen, was fatally shot while attempting to buy drugs. According to his brother, Thaddeus Yilmen, Longwan had gone to a pharmacy with a relative when the shooting began. While the relative survived by hiding inside the shop, Longwan, who remained outside, was killed.
Mama Promise, whose son was among the victims, shared her emotional account. “Promise was my only son. I give God the glory, since He gave him to me and has taken him. But I believe that his blood and the blood of other innocent victims will not be shed in vain. I will not remain silent. The God of justice will arise and defend us.”
Governor’s Response and Ongoing Tensions
In an effort to restore order and prevent further violence, the state government imposed a 48-hour curfew. However, tensions flared when youths in the area retrieved the 27 corpses from the mortuary and displayed them before Governor Caleb Mutfwang during his planned visit.
The governor, visibly moved, urged the community to avoid mass burials and instead allow families to bury their loved ones individually. He also appealed for the bodies to be returned to the hospital for proper arrangements. “Please don’t allow the corpses to decompose. Let’s evacuate them to the hospital. I assure you there will be no mass burial. I have made that commitment. I will liaise with the families to ensure they are given decent burials,” he said.
The governor also reiterated the ban on commercial motorcycle operations (Okada) within the Jos Greater Master Plan as part of efforts to prevent future attacks. He mentioned that a suspect linked to a video threatening violence during Ramadan had been arrested.
Despite these measures, fresh tensions emerged in parts of the city on Wednesday, as hoodlums exploited the relaxed curfew to harass drivers and bystanders. During the unrest, three people were killed, and several students of the University of Jos were injured.
Ongoing Challenges and Uncertainty
As the city grapples with the aftermath of the attack, signs of rising tension are evident. Segregation barriers that were previously dismantled are being rebuilt, and residents are avoiding certain areas for safety. The university authorities have directed students to vacate the hostels, highlighting the ongoing instability in the region.
