Panic in Jos as violence returns hours after curfew ease

Fresh tension has gripped Jos only hours after the Plateau State Government relaxed the 48-hour curfew earlier imposed in response to the deadly Sunday night attack in Anguwan Rukuba.

Reports suggest that pockets of violence have resurfaced in parts of the city, with unverified accounts pointing to new casualties.

The renewed unrest has sparked fear among residents, prompting many traders who had just reopened their businesses to shut down and flee for safety.

Eyewitnesses recounted chaotic scenes, with people running for cover amid fears of another wave of attacks.

Security operatives are said to be increasing their presence in affected areas, though officials are yet to release a formal statement on the situation.

The curfew had been introduced to restore peace after the earlier killings, but the latest disturbances have heightened concerns over the fragile security situation in the state.

Authorities have called on residents to remain calm, alert, and law-abiding as efforts continue to stabilise the area.

Anguwan Rukuba Attack

Gunmen, reportedly on a motorcycle, had earlier opened fire in Anguwan Rukuba on Sunday evening, killing at least 28 people.

A resident, who spoke to Channels Television on condition of anonymity, said the shooting occurred around the Anguwan Rukuba junction.

Following the attack, aggrieved youths allegedly blocked major roads in the community, fueling fears of escalating unrest.

The incident comes just weeks after at least 20 security personnel and vigilantes were reportedly killed when armed bandits ambushed a joint patrol team in Wanka and nearby communities in the Garga area of Kanam Local Government Area.

In response to the violence, the University of Jos postponed examinations earlier scheduled for March 30 and 31.

In a statement issued on Monday, the institution’s Deputy Registrar for Information and Public Relations, Emmanuel Madugu, urged both staff and students to remain vigilant and limit unnecessary movement.

Governor Caleb Mutfwang, in a statewide address on Tuesday, assured residents that the state would not give in to fear or intimidation.