Tension in Jos as curfew relaxation sparks fresh attacks

Heightened tension returned to parts of Jos, Plateau State, on Wednesday following the partial relaxation of the 48-hour curfew imposed after the deadly Angwan Rukuba attack on Sunday.

The curfew, initially imposed on Jos North Local Government Area after gunmen killed at least 28 residents, was eased to run from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily, according to Hon. Joyce Lohya Ramnap, Commissioner for Information and Communication. The move was intended to allow residents to attend to normal activities during permitted hours.

But the decision failed to restore calm.

A Report from Vanguard disclosed that hoodlums and mobs attacked motorists and passers-by, sparking fresh fear and panic among residents.

A young man walking near the University of Jos Permanent Site was reportedly hacked to death, while motorists around Terminus, Bauchi Road, and Gangere had their windscreens smashed.

Other areas affected included the University of Jos axis, Farin Gada, Tina Junction, and Chobe, leaving business activities paralyzed and forcing many banks in the state capital to shut down temporarily.

“We are scared to open our shops. We don’t know what might happen,” said Joy Bature, a provision shop owner at Terminus Market. “The governor has done well by relaxing the curfew in the interest of the people, but it is unfortunate that some people have decided to take the law into their hands.”

The University of Jos Alumni Association expressed deep concern over the rising tension, warning that students, staff, and residents face increased threats.

In a statement signed by Global President Gad Peter Shamaki, the association urged the Plateau State Government and security agencies to deploy enhanced security presence across all campuses, hostels, and major access routes, including round-the-clock patrols and intelligence-led surveillance.

Residents also called for greater protection around the students’ village and hostels. “There is an urgent need for security deployment to the University of Jos environment, precisely the students’ village hostel,” one resident appealed.

The Plateau Lawyers Bar Forum condemned the “dastardly and heartless” killings in Angwan Rukuba. In a statement signed by chairman Ledak Dafer and secretary Niri Darong, the forum noted that the incident forms part of a disturbing pattern of violence affecting Wase, Bokkos, Barkin Ladi, Jos South, Bassa, and Jos North. They extended condolences to the families of the victims, called for swift prosecution of perpetrators, and demanded an investigation into the allegedly delayed response by nearby police formations.