Fresh Killings, Panic as Curfew Relaxation Backfires in Jos

Fresh Killings, Panic as Curfew Relaxation Backfires in Jos

Heightened tension has returned to parts of Jos on Wednesday following the relaxation of the 48-hour curfew earlier imposed by the Plateau State Government after the deadly attack in Angwan Rukuba.

The curfew was initially enforced in Jos North Local Government Area after gunmen stormed Angwan Rukuba on Sunday, killing no fewer than 28 residents in one of the latest outbreaks of violence in the state.

In a bid to restore normalcy, the state government announced a partial relaxation of the restriction. The Commissioner for Information and Communication, Hon. Joyce Lohya Ramnap, disclosed that residents would now be allowed to move freely between 7:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. daily, beginning Wednesday, April 1, 2026.

However, rather than easing tension, the development appears to have triggered fresh unrest.

Reports from multiple areas indicate that hoodlums and irate mobs took advantage of the relaxed curfew to unleash attacks on motorists, commuters, and passers-by, leading to widespread panic across the city.

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A particularly disturbing incident occurred along the road leading to the Permanent Site of the University of Jos, where a young man was reportedly hacked to death by suspected hoodlums.

Eyewitnesses also reported that several vehicles were vandalised, with windscreens smashed in areas including Terminus, Bauchi Road, and Gangare. Other flashpoints identified include Farin Gada, Tina Junction, Chobe, and parts of the University of Jos axis.

The renewed violence paralysed commercial activities in affected areas, forcing banks, shops, and other businesses to shut down abruptly amid fears of escalation.

“We are scared to open our shops. We don’t know what might happen,” said Joy Bature, a trader at Terminus Market, reflecting the anxiety gripping residents.

Many residents have expressed frustration that the curfew relaxation, which was intended to provide relief and allow people to attend to daily needs, instead created a security vacuum exploited by criminal elements.

Meanwhile, the University of Jos Alumni Association has raised alarm over the deteriorating security situation, warning that students and staff are increasingly at risk.

In a statement signed by its Global President, Gad Peter Shamaki, the association called on the state government and security agencies to urgently strengthen security deployment across all university campuses, student hostels, surrounding residential areas, and major access roads.

The group emphasised the need for proactive measures to prevent further loss of lives and ensure the safety of the academic community.

Security agencies have reportedly intensified patrols in some affected areas, while residents continue to call for a review of the curfew framework to prevent further breakdown of law and order.

As of the time of filing this report, the Plateau State Government had not announced any further adjustments to the curfew, despite mounting concerns from residents and stakeholders.

Fresh Killings, Panic as Curfew Relaxation Backfires in Jos