A Tragic Attack in Jos and the Ongoing Crisis of Insecurity
On Sunday night, a group of armed men appeared at the heart of Angwan Rukuba in Jos and started shooting. When they left, dozens of people lay dead. The police officially reported 27 deaths, but the exact number remains uncertain. Equally unclear is the identity of the attackers—whether they were terrorists, bandits, or random criminals. No arrests have been made, and no group has claimed responsibility for the attack.
What we do know is that innocent Nigerians were needlessly killed. This tragedy is yet another example of the persistent cycle of violence that has plagued the country. The aftermath of the attack was gruesome. One image, in particular, stands out: a mother cradling the head of her dead son. It is an unforgettable moment that should serve as a defining image of Nigeria’s ongoing reality.
This incident has brought the long-troubled city of Jos back into the spotlight, reigniting discussions about the politics of insecurity in Nigeria. Those who understand the complex geography of Jos will recognize that the choice of Angwan Rukuba for the attack was not random. It was either a coincidence or a carefully planned move.
Angwan Rukuba has played a central role in the crisis that has shaped Plateau State since 2001. Before that year, it was a predominantly Christian community with a small Muslim population. However, after the events of September 7, 2001, the area transformed into a completely Christian district. Muslims were either killed or forced to flee, like my aunt and her children, who lived there at the time. The area became a militant Christian zone, where armed youths would often attack Muslim communities during subsequent conflicts. Similarly, the Muslim-majority area of Angwan Rogo responded in kind, becoming a Muslim garrison district.
The recent attack on Angwan Rukuba was not aimed at expelling Christians from the area, as that is realistically impossible. Instead, it was designed to provoke a reaction and reignite the conflict in Jos. If the city is triggered, it could lead to broader unrest across Plateau State and even the entire country.
Managing the tensions following the attack is crucial. A curfew was imposed to prevent further violence between the communities. However, when the curfew was lifted on Wednesday, some violent incidents occurred around the city. Beyond managing these tensions, sincere efforts must be made to identify and bring the perpetrators to justice.
I sound like a broken record when I make this call to action, but dispensing justice to those responsible for such crimes is the only way to end the cycle of violence and build sustainable peace. The absence of justice fuels further conflict. This pattern continues because Nigeria has failed to protect its citizens and deliver justice when needed.
Instead of focusing on justice, the government often politicizes such incidents. Even before the bodies were cleared from the scene, a controversial American figure named Alex Barbir arrived, set up his camera, and used professional lighting with a bonfire behind him to frame the narrative of the attack. He claimed it was evidence of Christian genocide, despite some victims being Muslim, and accused the Nigerian president of being complicit.
Mr. Barbir, a foreigner, has no right to speak on our affairs, especially when foreign terrorists are already entering the country to commit acts of violence. I do not blame Mr. Barbir or other foreign agents for their actions; I blame Nigeria for allowing such incursions. The porousness of our borders and the weakness of our government have created an environment where such individuals can operate freely.
Mr. Barbir first entered the country under the guise of a humanitarian, helping to rebuild houses destroyed in previous conflicts. If the government had done its job by securing communities, rebuilding homes, and resettling residents, would he have found a reason to sneak in? His habit of showing up in selective conflict areas and using divisive rhetoric, including misquoting the Qur’an to deepen religious divides, is deeply concerning. No reasonable country would allow even its citizens, let alone a foreigner, to act with such impunity.
Arresting Mr. Barbir may not end the conflict, as he has not committed any crime that warrants arrest. However, his activities are troubling enough to warrant an investigation and deportation. This would send a clear message that the government will not tolerate foreigners exploiting local tensions to fuel insecurity. If the DSS is serious about its duties, it should investigate his case and take the necessary actions. It should also look into the identities of those who carried out the attack in Angwan Rukuba and take appropriate measures.
There has been a significant amount of irresponsibility and incompetence that has led to the current situation. Both political and religious leaders have contributed to the crisis. At the beginning of March, Boko Haram raided the village of Ngoshe in Borno and massacred over 150 people. Despite the severity of the attack, the media coverage was not as intense as the recent incident in Jos. The lack of outrage from Muslim religious leaders, compared to the reactions from Christian leaders, is notable.
Religious leaders like Yahya Jingir have been more focused on campaigning for the president than addressing the real issues facing the country. His tendency to spread false information, such as claiming that the government has canceled JAMB exams to help poor students, suggests he is living in an alternate reality. When religious leaders fail to hold political leaders accountable for their actions, it is not only disingenuous but also cruel and unconscionable.
Despite the tensions in Plateau, there are positive developments. Some members of both Christian and Muslim communities are working to ensure the safety of members of the opposite faith. These efforts have helped to counter the intentions of those behind the attack.
Such initiatives must be supported by proactive government measures. Governor Caleb Mutfwang’s appearance at the crime scene in an armored truck was not reassuring. While the governor has limited control over the security apparatus, he has the power to ensure that the perpetrators are pursued. As a leader, he must not allow his legacy to be defined by his presence at the site of bloodshed, making hollow promises that are never fulfilled.
The 48-hour curfew was a painful but necessary step. What comes next? How will the government handle yet another tragic loss of life?
