Fresh Tension Grips Jos After Government Relaxes Curfew Amid Attacks
Heightened tension has resurfaced in Jos, the capital of Plateau State, following the relaxation of a 48-hour curfew imposed by the state government. The curfew was initially implemented after gunmen attacked residents of Angwan Rukuba in Jos, resulting in several fatalities. However, the government eased the restrictions on Jos North Local Council, citing improved security conditions in the area.
Curfew Adjustment and Immediate Fallout
The Commissioner for Information, Joyce Ramnap, announced in a statement that the curfew would now run from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily, effective immediately, to allow residents to attend to their normal activities within permitted hours. Despite this adjustment, the relaxation failed to ease tensions yesterday morning. Hoodlums and an irate mob reportedly attacked numerous motorists and passersby in various parts of the city, instilling fresh fear and panic among residents.
Reports indicate that a young man was hacked to death by hoodlums on the road leading to the University of Jos permanent site. Additionally, several motorists in the Terminus, Bauchi Road, and Gangere areas had their windscreens smashed. The most affected locations included the University of Jos axis, Bauchi Road, Farin Gada, Tina Junction, and Chobe, leading to a paralysis of business activities in the state capital.
Reactions from Stakeholders and Groups
The University of Jos Alumni Association expressed deep concern over the recent rise in tension and reported threats affecting students, staff, and the broader university community. In a statement signed by its Global President, Gad Peter Shamaki, the association highlighted the urgent need for enhanced security measures.
Meanwhile, the Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures in Nigeria condemned the terrorist attacks and killings on the Plateau. Its Chairman, Emomotimi Dennis Guwor, voiced serious concern over the tragic loss of lives, mass displacement, and emotional trauma inflicted by the escalating violence. Guwor, through a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Nkem Nwaeke, acknowledged the Federal Government's role in national security but stressed that other critical stakeholders must act decisively to contain the violence. He emphasized that the security and welfare of the people are non-negotiable and called for targeted interventions to mitigate the negative effects of the situation.
In a related development, the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams, reiterated the call for the urgent establishment of state police in Nigeria. He urged the federal and Plateau governments, along with relevant security agencies, to find a comprehensive solution to the cycle of violence affecting the North-Central state. Adams made this appeal in a statement condemning the recent wave of killings on the Plateau.
Similarly, the League of Northern Democrats (LND) expressed dismay at the continuing murderous attacks and violence in Anguwan Rukuba, Jos. The group urged security forces to thoroughly investigate, identify, and respond appropriately to the perpetrators of these gruesome crimes. LND also challenged security and immigration authorities to investigate the activities of an American, Mr. Alex Berbir, to establish any violations of Nigerian law and take appropriate legal action.
In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Dr. Ladan Salihu, LND expressed serious concern over Berbir's presence and activities, suggesting he could be a mercenary involved in the deadly incident. The group claimed, "For a foreigner to come and openly meddle in our internal affairs so brazenly tells the terrible state our country has fallen into. We find it troubling that he reportedly appeared at the scene almost immediately after the attack." They called for authorities to clarify his entry into Nigeria, his rapid arrival at the location, and the purpose of his presence, including the contents of a bag he was seen carrying.
LND further noted video clips showing Berbir previously in Jos, allegedly inciting religious tension by holding the Holy Qur'an and misrepresenting its teachings to provoke hostility against Muslims. They described such actions as dangerous and unacceptable in a fragile security environment, emphasizing the need to protect Nigeria's unity and stability against internal saboteurs and foreign mercenaries.
