A City in Turmoil
The calm that once enveloped Jos, Plateau State, was shattered on Wednesday as the 48-hour curfew imposed by the Plateau State government to contain violent protests following an attack on the Angwan Rukuba community was relaxed. The attack occurred on Sunday night, when gunmen stormed the community around 7:30 pm, killing at least 28 people and injuring many others. As residents fled for safety, the violence ignited anger among the youth, leading to widespread protests, roadblocks, and attacks on passersby. This prompted the government to impose the curfew.
The state Commissioner for Information, Joyce Ramnap, announced the relaxation of the curfew in a statement on Tuesday, allowing residents to move freely between 7 a.m. and 3 p.m. However, the respite was short-lived. On Wednesday morning, tension flared again as hoodlums attacked motorists and passersby in different parts of the state capital, causing panic among residents. People who had come out for their daily activities were seen running for their lives, and commercial activities were paralyzed.
Correspondents reported that roads leading to various communities were blocked by angry youths who unleashed deadly attacks on innocent people. Although there are no official casualty figures, injured individuals were seen being taken to hospitals, while security agents and officials from the Nigerian Red Cross evacuated lifeless bodies. Youths threw stones at security personnel, who responded by firing into the air to restore order. Additional security forces were deployed to manage the situation.
Impact on Daily Life
The violence forced banks and businesses in affected areas to shut down abruptly. Residents like Joy Bature, who runs a provision shop at the Terminus Market, expressed fear about opening her shop due to the ongoing unrest. Another resident, Musa Bala, described how he and others were caught off guard by the sudden escalation of violence, with thugs stopping innocent people for no apparent reason.
Security personnel, including soldiers and police, patrolled major roads to maintain law and order. Some were stationed at key locations to prevent further attacks. Despite these efforts, the situation remained volatile, with tensions spilling over into different communities.
Differing Accounts of the Escalation
There are conflicting reports on what triggered the violence on Wednesday. Many believe it stemmed from an altercation between Christian and Muslim communities in Nassarawa Gwom. According to one resident, Ibrahim Isa, the tension began around 7:30 am when some youths attacked water vendors entering Anguwan Rukuba. The vendors narrowly escaped with injuries, and the situation escalated across the city.
Another resident, Friday Endurance, claimed the crisis started when hoodlums planned to invade Anguwan Rukuba to burn a church. People rushed to protect the church, leading to a confrontation in Nasarawa Gwom.
University Evacuation
In response to the heightened tensions, the University of Jos (UNIJOS) ordered all students to evacuate the institution’s hostels. The evacuation was carried out in two phases, with students whose parents reside within Jos and its environs evacuated first, followed by those from outside the area. The UNIJOS Alumni Association also urged the government and security agencies to enhance security measures around the university and its access routes.
Calls for Calm and Action
Dr. Yahuza Getso, Managing Director of Eagle Integrated Security and Logistics Company, highlighted the need for decisive action from the government. He pointed to complicity and lack of public support as factors contributing to the prolonged crisis. He called for increased sensitization, media engagement, and accountability from leaders.
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) condemned the violence and urged citizens to remain calm. Panmak Mark of YOWICAN emphasized the importance of peace and unity, while Dr. Salim Umar Musa of JNI stressed the need for calm and peaceful coexistence.
Government Response
The Commissioner for Information and Communication, Joyce Lohya Ramnap, assured the public that the government is working to identify those responsible for the violence and restore normalcy. She stated that security agencies would review the curfew and ensure justice is served.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of Mangu Local Government Area, Emmanuel Bala Mwolpun, imposed a curfew on Mangu metropolis, effective from 8pm to 6am daily, to prevent further violence. He urged residents to stay indoors during the curfew hours and cooperate with security personnel.
Call for Peace
Former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Ahmed Idris Wase, urged residents to avoid retaliatory actions, warning that revenge could deepen the crisis. He condemned multiple incidents of violence across the state and called for unity and cooperation with authorities.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is set to visit Plateau State today to express solidarity with the government and people following the recent killings. Governor Caleb Mutfwang described the attack as unfortunate but stated that the situation is now under control.
